Causes Of Underperformance Research Articles

Valuation of Project Managers to Enhance Project Performance in Nigeria’s Construction Industry

Construction project management is critical to the success of construction projects, with the performance of project managers (PMRs) playing a central role. Despite its importance, previous studies have highlighted the poor performance of construction organizations in Nigeria, such as project delays and cost overruns and the need for proper project management practices. However, the specific performance of PMRs in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI) has not been extensively studied. To address this issue, this study aims to identify the causes of underperformance among PMRs in the NCI by examining the tasks where PMRs underperform and the extent of this underperformance and its effect on motivational support from organizations. Data were collected through 206 questionnaires and 36 semi-structured interviews with organizations and project managers. Descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate project management (PM) practices as well as the level of motivational support provided to PMRs. The analysis revealed that PMRs underperform in more than 60% of tasks but outperform in 20%. Underperformance refers to the tasks in which PMRs performed less than the expected contributions set by the organization, while outperformance describes tasks where PMRs exceeded the organization’s expectations. The analysis also revealed low motivational support of PMR. Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate whether motivational support influences PMR performance, and the results indicated a two-way causal relationship between underperformance and low motivational support. This study integrated a game theory model with regression analysis to show that (stay, support) is the dominant solution for project managers and organizations, provided the net contribution of support is positive. In this context, “stay” refers to PMRs continuing working with their current organization, while “support” refers to the motivational support provided by the organization to enhance the commitment and performance of the PMRs. However, current support levels may not be enough to cause PMRs to begin to outperform. In addition, regression analysis was conducted between the degree of underperformance and motivational factors, and we conducted a preliminary simulation by increasing these values of regression coefficients. The results indicated that while motivational support from organizations can improve PMRs performance, its effectiveness is limited. Factors such as corruption, political pressures, and organizational culture have a greater impact on performance. Addressing these factors may be more crucial for enhancing performance and project outcomes than focusing only on motivational support. Therefore, the Nigerian construction industry needs to implement institutional changes alongside motivational strategies to improve PMRs performance and project success.

Recognising the social causes of student underperformance in medical education: a scoping review

The social aspects of underperformance in medical education can be perceived as an uncomfortable topic in some contexts. Vaughn’s [1]evergreen description of underperformance: the state where a student’s academic performance is significantly below that which isexpected of them – because of a ‘specific affective, cognitive, structural, or interpersonal difficulty’ was used in this study. With up to15% of medical students experiencing significant difficulties during medical training [2], the session mandate is to explore social causes of underperformance towards best practice approaches for student’s support, discomfort notwithstanding. A scoping review was conducted using the JBI framework [3] to explore social issues surrounding medical student underperformance. A PubMed search using ‘medical underperformance’ and ‘remediation’ was used as an expansive template to find papers that described key concepts. Forty-six papers were identified and in papers that the titles dealt with the topic, 20 full texts were reviewed. Framework analysis [4] was used to identify themes from key papers. A key social reason for medical students’ underperformance was cultural clashes. An evidence-based process of management can be used to deduce root causes of underperformance and assist the affected student back on track with their self-regulated learning. Aims• Critically analyse the social difficulties faced by underperformingstudents.• Practice the creation of evidence-based tailored remediation plans. Engagement: I intend to use a case study and questions to engage attendees.

Analysis of the social and physical factors affecting irrigation scheme performance: The case of the Omo Gibe river basin in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region, Ethiopia

AbstractOne hundred years ago, irrigation development began in Ethiopia, but the efficiency and sustainability of the developed scheme have remained very low. As a result, this study aimed to assess the factors that most frequently affect a scheme's performance. The study analysed general physical and social performance indicators. Structural and social factors were used to identify the most common causes of underperformance of the schemes in the Omo Gibe river basin. Frequency analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The relative operational scheme performance and relative irrigated area were 32 and 31%, respectively. The beneficiary to target performance was 63%. Structural and social factors such as flooding and subsequent damage to the under sluice and lack of participatory approaches during scheme development were the most common determinants of irrigation scheme performance. Hence, catchment development and community participation in scheme development are crucial for mitigating irrigation scheme underperformance.

Sex Differences in Self-Reported Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Strategies Associated With Underperformance in Endurance Athletes.

This study investigated sex differences in self-reported causes, symptoms, and recovery strategies associated with underperformance in endurance athletes. A total of 82 athletes (40 women) meeting the inclusion criteria (performance level ≥tier 3, used training diaries, and experienced 1 or more periods of underperformance during their career) completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire encompassed inquiries regarding load monitoring and experiences with underperformance, focusing on causes, symptoms, and recovery strategies. The most frequently reported symptoms associated with underperformance included psychological (31%), physiological (23%), and health-related (12%) symptoms. Notably, female athletes were more likely to report psychological symptoms associated with underperformance (38% vs 25%, P = .01) compared with male athletes. The leading causes of underperformance comprised illness (21%), mental/emotional challenges (20%), training errors (12%), lack of recovery (10%), and nutritional challenges (5%). Female athletes reported nutritional challenges more frequently as the cause of underperformance compared with males (9% vs 1%, P = .01), whereas male athletes more often attributed underperformance to training errors (15% vs 9%, P = .03). Overall, 67% of athletes reported recovering from underperformance, with a tendency for more male than female athletes to recover (76% vs 58%, P = .07). Furthermore, a higher proportion of male than female athletes reported implementing changes in the training process as a recovery strategy (62% vs 35%, P = .02). This study offers valuable insights into sex differences in experiences with underperformance in endurance athletes. The findings could inform coaches and athletes in both the prevention and treatment of such incidents.

Bayesian parameter estimation for characterising mobile ion vacancies in perovskite solar cells

To overcome the challenges associated with poor temporal stability of perovskite solar cells, methods are required that allow for fast iteration of fabrication and characterisation, such that optimal device performance and stability may be actively pursued. Currently, establishing the causes of underperformance is both complex and time-consuming, and optimisation of device fabrication is thus inherently slow. Here, we present a means of computational device characterisation of mobile halide ion parameters from room temperature current–voltage () measurements only, requiring ∼2 h of computation on basic computing resources. With our approach, the physical parameters of the device may be reverse-modelled from experimental measurements. In a drift-diffusion (DD) model, the set of coupled DD partial differential equations cannot be inverted explicitly, so a method for inverting the DD simulation is required. We show how Bayesian Parameter Estimation coupled with a DD perovskite solar cell model can determine the extent to which device parameters affect performance measured by characteristics. Our method is demonstrated by investigating the extent to which device performance is influenced by mobile halide ions for a specific fabricated device. The ion vacancy density N 0 and diffusion coefficient DI were found to be precisely characterised for both simulated and fabricated devices. This result opens up the possibility of pinpointing origins of degradation by finding which parameters most influence device curves as the cell degrades.

What if gastrointestinal complications in endurance athletes were gut injuries in response to a high consumption of ultra-processed foods? Please take care of your bugs if you want to improve endurance performance: a narrative review.

To improve performance and recovery faster, athletes are advised to eat more often than usual and consume higher doses of simple carbohydrates, during and after exercise. Sports energetic supplements contain food additives, such as artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, preservatives, and salts, which could be harmful to the gut microbiota and impair the intestinal barrier function. The intestinal barrier plays a critical function in bidirectionally regulation of the selective transfer of nutrients, water, and electrolytes, while preventing at the same time, the entrance of harmful substances (selective permeability). The gut microbiota helps to the host to regulate intestinal homeostasis through metabolic, protective, and immune functions. Globally, the gut health is essential to maintain systemic homeostasis in athletes, and to ensure proper digestion, metabolization, and substrate absorption. Gastrointestinal complaints are an important cause of underperformance and dropout during endurance events. These complications are directly related to the loss of gut equilibrium, mainly linked to microbiota dysbiosis and leaky gut. In summary, athletes must be cautious with the elevated intake of ultra-processed foods and specifically those contained on sports nutrition supplements. This review points out the specific nutritional interventions that should be implemented and/or discontinued depending on individual gut functionality.

Bottled Water-Problem in Campus

The case is based on heated e-mail conversations connected to the delivery of clean bottled water in the campus of a reputed research institute in southern India. The exchange between Tara Sharma (Programme Manager) and Shreejith Nair (Group Head-Engineering Service and Estate) relate to the quality of services provided. The case highlights the viewpoints of various stakeholders involved in the open conversation. This case focusses on the behaviour of a set of underperforming employees associated with a contractor, the reasons, among others, being lack of training and quality awareness. However, training alone cannot be assumed as the only correct solution for handling underperformance. The stakeholders involved need to ascertain the cause of underperformance by analysing whether it is a “Can't Do” –“Won't Do” problem, and identify the ways of dealing with it.

Analysis of the Mechanical Performance of the 4.2-m-Long MQXFA Magnets for the Hi-Lumi LHC Upgrade

Under the U.S. High Luminosity LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project (HL-LHC AUP), the 150 mm bore, high-field Nb <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> Sn low-β MQXFA quadrupole magnets are being fabricated, assembled and tested, in the context of the CERN Hi-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) upgrade. These magnets have 4.2 m magnetic length and 4.56 m long iron yoke. To date, eight MQXFA magnets have been tested. One of the magnets additionally underwent a successful endurance test with 40 triggered quenches, and two magnets did not perform as expected. This work summarizes for the first time the available strain gauge data from eight identical Nb <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> Sn MQXFA tested magnets, focusing on the endurance test, and on a possible cause of underperformance of the two magnets that did not pass the vertical test. We applied methods to prevent this from happening in future MQXFA magnets, which shown to be effective for last two tested magnets.

Perspective: Performance Loss Rate in Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic systems may underperform expectations for several reasons, including inaccurate initial estimates, suboptimal operations and maintenance, or component degradation. Accurate assessment of these loss factors aids in addressing root causes of underperformance and in realizing accurate expectations and models. The performance loss rate (PLR) is a commonly cited high‐level metric for the change in system output over time, but there is no precise, standard definition. Herein, an annualized definition of PLR that is inclusive of all loss factors and that can capture nonlinear changes to performance over time is proposed. The importance of distinguishing between recoverable and nonrecoverable losses which underly PLR is highlighted.

Causes of runner’s diarrhea and dietary recommendations to avoid it - systematic review

Complaints of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms are common among endurance runners. These problems may interfere with athletic activities and be the main cause of underperformance during sports events. It is estimated that this difficulty affects 30 to 90 percent of long-distance runners. The most important pathophysiological factors affecting the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms are ischemia and mechanical damage to the intestines, as well as the secretion of neuroendocrine substances. The diet before physical exercise is also one of the most significant factors related to the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms. Avoiding the intake of fat, caffeine, protein, fiber, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and dehydration before performance is one of the suggestions for preventing runner’s diarrhea. There are new recommendations for athletes, such as avoidance of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) and the intake of multiple transportable carbohydrates. It seems that a short-term gluten free diet has no effect on the performance of athletes but further research is needed. Mechanisms of runner’s diarrhea are still poorly understood, so more research needs to be conducted to improve the recommendations to runners.

Supplement Intake in Recreational Vegan, Vegetarian, and Omnivorous Endurance Runners-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2).

Nutrient deficiency is a common cause of underperformance in endurance athletes, and supplement intake is frequently considered compensatory for vegan and vegetarian athletes specifically. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of supplement intake among vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous distance (>10 km) runners and its association with age, sex, and race distance. From a total of 317 runners who participated in an online survey, 220 distance runners (mean age: 38.5 years; mean BMI: 21.75 kg/m2) were selected for the final sample after data clearance and assigned to 100 omnivores, 40 vegetarians, or 80 vegans. Sociodemographic information, racing experience, and patterns of supplement intake, including type, frequency, dosage, etc., were collected using a questionnaire. Macronutrient intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. ANOVA and logistic regression were used for data analysis. The prevalence of supplement intake was 51% for total runners and 72% among vegan runners. Age, sex, and race distance had no significant effect on the type of supplement intake (p > 0.05). Compared to omnivores and vegetarians, vegan runners reported consuming more vitamin (but not carbohydrate/protein or mineral) supplements (p < 0.05). Vitamin B12, magnesium, and multivitamin had the most prevalent use amongst micronutrient supplements. This study points to a central role for supplementary nutritional strategies in different groups of distance runners. The present findings may help future investigations by design to identify specific requirements of endurance runners when adhering to specific kinds of diet particularly plant-based diets.

Struggling urology trainee: a qualitative study into causes of underperformance

Urological surgical trainees who underperform are difficult to identify, manage and require significant resources in an already stretched system relying on pro bono supervisors that often have no formal training. While there are commentaries on how to manage underperforming surgical trainees, there is a lack of data detailing the complex reasons for underperformance. It is important to understand the complexities contributing to underperformance so that improved remediation plans can be developed which can better help trainees meet expectations and succeed. In this qualitative study, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with key persons identified as having very high levels of background knowledge and involvement with current underperforming urological surgery trainees. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed. Ten interviews were conducted, including nine urology consultants and one educational manager. Five themes were identified: underperformance is a small but profound issue; spiral of failure; the changing trainee; lack of insight and under supported supervisors and posts. Causes of underperformance in urology trainees are complex and multifactorial. Behavioural issues were considered the most likely cause, which are also the most challenging to remedy. However, in addition to trainee factors, causative factors related to supervision and training were identified. Addressing all of these issues is paramount if effective remediation of these trainees is to occur.

Proposal of a Skill Training Method for UP Problem Suppression Based on Analysis of Ecological Cognitive Load and Multiple-dimensional Conducting Skills

In this study, we examined multiple-dimensional conducting skills (MCSs) and the ecological cognitive loads (ECLs) imposed on the competitors of the 44th WorldSkills Competition (WSC) “Information network cabling” competition, and then conducted an analysis of the causes of underperformance (UP) problems. We also collected knowledge about developmental structures that lead to structural differences in the cognitive loads that result from proficiency level differences and the suppression of cognitive loads. Herein, We clarified the conducting skills to be acquired at each developmental stage in the unlocking training loads method to suppress and avoid the UP problems in High pressure situations.

Building performance evaluation: Balancing energy and indoor environmental quality in a UK school building

There is a policy-driven focus, at present, on improving the energy performance of buildings. However, energy-related issues alone do not capture the full impact of buildings on occupants and the wider environment. The performance of a building also includes occupant wellbeing and indoor environmental quality. Specifically, in schools, indoor environmental quality (thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting and acoustics) is an important aspect. Additionally, the issue of the ‘performance gap’, generally focused on energy, also affects indoor environmental quality parameters and needs to be addressed holistically. This paper reports on a holistic building performance evaluation covering aspects of energy, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting and acoustics. It assesses the performance issues and inter-relationships between energy and indoor environmental quality in a recently built school campus in London. Based on the evidence collated from this case study and supplementary literature, the endemic issues and constraints within the construction industry are explored, such as inappropriate design calculations and resistance to new low-carbon technologies. Further, lessons for improved performance in the design, operation and maintenance of schools are highlighted such as factoring in the changing building use trends during design and the significance of optimal operations and maintenance of building systems for better energy and indoor environmental quality performance. This study shows that if the building design focus primarily remains on energy, unintended consequence of indoor environmental quality underperformance may occur where there are conflicts between energy and indoor environmental quality objectives. An integrated approach to building performance can help address this issue. Practical application: There are often conflicts between energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) objectives in building design and operation. Most building performance evaluations are primarily focused on one set of these performance criteria. This building performance evaluation was done with an integrated energy and IEQ perspective. The study identifies the causes of underperformance in energy and IEQ in a recently built school in London. Some of the findings from this study provide lessons that are relevant across the industry for the delivery of low-carbon and healthy buildings. These lessons include methods to further strengthen the policy frameworks and design protocols along with overall improvements in the processes followed during design, construction and operation of schools and other non-domestic buildings. The paper can also inform building designers, contractors and facility managers about the ways to reduce the performance gap and achieve energy targets without unintended consequences for indoor environment.

Combining Performance Testing and Metadata Models to Support Fault Detection and Diagnostics in Smart Buildings

Performance testing of components and subsystems of buildings is a promising practice for increasing energy efficiency and closing gaps between intended and actual performance of buildings. A typical shortcoming of performance testing is the difficulty of linking a failing test to a faulty or underperforming component. Furthermore, a failing test can also be linked to a wrongly configured performance test. In this paper, we present Building Metadata Performance Testing (BuMPeT), a method that addresses this shortcoming by using building metadata models to extend performance testing with fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) capabilities. We present four different procedures that apply BuMPeT to different data sources and components. We have applied the proposed method to a case study building, located in Denmark, to test its capacity and benefits. Additionally, we use two real case scenarios to showcase examples of failing performance tests in the building, as well as discovery of causes of underperformance. Finally, to examine the limits to the benefits of the applied procedure, a detailed elaboration of a hypothetical scenario is presented. Our findings demonstrate that the method has potential and it can serve to increase the energy efficiency of a wide range of buildings.

Effect of a short-term low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diet on exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms

BackgroundResearch has demonstrated that low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets improve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome sufferers. Exercise-related GI issues are a common cause of underperformance, with current evidence focusing on the use of FODMAP approaches with recreationally competitive or highly trained athletes. However, there is a paucity of research exploring the potential benefit of FODMAP strategies to support healthy, recreational athletes who experience GI issues during training. This study therefore aimed to assess whether a short-term LOWFODMAP diet improved exercise-related GI symptoms and the perceived ability to exercise in recreational runners.MethodsSixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned in a crossover design manner to either a LOWFODMAP (16.06 ± 1.79 g·d− 1) or HIGHFODMAP (38.65 ± 6.66 g·d− 1) diet for 7 days, with a one week washout period followed by a further 7 days on the alternate diet. Participants rated their gastrointestinal symptoms on an adapted version of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) questionnaire before and at the end of each dietary period. Perceived ability to exercise (frequency, intensity and duration) in relation to each dietary period was also rated using a visual analogue scale. Resting blood samples were collected prior to and on completion of each diet to determine plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as a marker of acute GI injury.ResultsOverall IBS-SSS score significantly reduced in the LOWFODMAP condition from 81.1 ± 16.4 to 31.3 ± 9.2 (arbitrary units; P = 0.004). Perceived exercise frequency (z = 2.309, P = 0.02) and intensity (z = 2.687, P = 0.007) was significantly improved following a short-term LOWFODMAP approach compared to HIGHFODMAP. No significant differences were reported between dietary conditions for plasma I-FABP (P > 0.05).ConclusionsA short-term LOWFODMAP diet under free-living conditions reduced exercise-related GI symptoms and improved the perceived ability to exercise in otherwise healthy, recreational runners. These findings may be explained by a reduction in indigestible carbohydrates available for fermentation in the gut. The therapeutic benefits of LOWFODMAP diets in recreational and trained athletes during sustained training periods warrants further investigation.

Sensitivity study of a wind farm maintenance decision - A performance and revenue analysis

Commercial operation and maintenance of wind farms always involves trying to find the most cost-effective solution from various possible options. In this paper, a maintenance action within a Spanish wind farm was studied, whereby a blade replacement was required to prevent catastrophic failure. The conducted replacement was accompanied by an underperformance resolved in a later blade re-pitching. We analyse the decision taken in terms of the power performance and net present value from the cash flow resulting from the energy sales. The impact of the timing of the maintenance is discussed in various what-if scenarios. The sensitivity to environmental causes of underperformance is compared by varying the duration of blade icing and comparing the performance in different wind directions. Country dynamics and subsidy impacts are hypothetically evaluated for the prevailing electricity market conditions as if the turbine were operating in either Spain, Netherlands or the UK. The findings highlight the uncertainty in power performance and the importance of maintenance accuracy. It is shown that the decision-making of operators should not only consider the seasonality of the wind resource, but also the seasonality in electricity markets.

A fuzzy AHP-based methodology for project prioritization and selection

To improve today’s complex systems composed of personnel, hardware, software and methods, it is necessary to identify, prioritize and select projects to eliminate the causes of underperformance. In this study, a methodology based on fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) for decision-making, integrated with cause-and-effect diagrams used in quality improvement studies, is proposed for this purpose. It is assumed that the resources for improvement are scarce and the best use of these is needed. To guide practitioners, the methodology is illustrated with a real-world implementation for identification, prioritization and selection of improvement projects for a poor performing appointment system at a hospital. The cause-and-effect diagram is used to identify and organize the causes and their sub-causes leading to the poor performance, and to create a hierarchy of these by using the information obtained from experts, staff and patients. In order to prioritize the major and sub-causes as potential improvement project topics, FAHP methodology, which utilize human cognition and judgment power based on knowledge and experience, is applied and used for decision-making. The priorities corresponding to each major cause and sub-cause can be used to make a decision on improvement projects and their order due to scarce resources. The methodology is general and can be used in various application domains.

Assessment of Primary Health Care System Performance in Nigeria: Using the Primary Health Care Performance Indicator Conceptual Framework

—Health gains oftentimes associated with income growth have been stubbornly slow in Nigeria in the past 25 years. One plausible reason for this stagnation is underperformance in the country's primary health care (PHC) system. The Primary Health Care Performance Indicators conceptual framework is used to examine Nigeria's PHC system and possible causes of underperformance. Analysis was conducted using a variety of sources including recent facility level information from the World Bank Service Delivery Indicators Survey. Results show that Nigeria has a relative abundance of PHC centers, reasonable geographic access to PHC, and relatively high health worker density. However, the performance of the PHC system is hindered by (1) segmented supply chains; (2) a lack of financial access to PHC; (3) a lack of infrastructure, drugs, equipment, and vaccines at the facility level; and (4) poor health worker performance. Altogether, these factors reflect two overarching system-level challenges—financing and governance—that are key root causes of the dysfunctions observed in the PHC system in Nigeria. Compared with peer African countries, Nigeria ranks low on nearly all PHC performance indicators. The government has taken important steps to address these root causes of underperformance, but policy gaps remain in achieving sustainable and equitable provision of PHC for the people of Nigeria.

Population Growth and Its Impact on the Design Capacity and Performance of the Wastewater Treatment Plants in Sedibeng and Soshanguve, South Africa.

This study investigated the effects of population growth on the performance of the targeted wastewater treatment plants in Sedibeng District and Soshanguve peri-urban area, South Africa. The impact of population growth was assessed in terms of plant design, operational capacity (flow rate) and other treatment process constraints. Between 2001 and 2007, the number of households connected to the public sewerage service increased by 15.5, 17.2 and 37.8% in Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal Local Municipalities, respectively. Soshanguve revealed a 50% increment in the number of households connected to the sewerage system between 1996 and 2001. Except for Sandspruit (-393.8%), the rate of influent flows received by Meyerton increased by 6.8 ML/day (67.8%) and 4.7 ML/day (46.8%) during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The flow rate appeared to increase during the wet season by 6.8 ML/day (19.1%) in Leeuwkuil and during the dry season by 0.8 ML/day (3.9%) in Rietgat. Underperformance of the existing wastewater treatment plants suggests that the rapid population growth in urban and peri-urban areas (hydraulic overloading of the wastewater treatment plants) and operational constraints (overflow rate, retention time, oxygen supply capacity of the plants and chlorine contact time) resulted in the production of poor quality effluents in both selected areas. This investigation showed that the inefficiency of Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Plant was attributed to the population growth (higher volumes of wastewater generated) and operational constraints, while the cause of underperformance in the other three treatment plants was clearly technical (operational).