Infrastructure Risk Management Research Articles

Multi-objective optimisation framework for Blue-Green Infrastructure placement using detailed flood model

Designing city-scale Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) for flood risk management requires detailed and robust methods. This is due to the complex interaction of flow pathways and the need to assess cost-benefit trade-offs for various BGI options. This study aims to find a cost-effective BGI placement scheme by developing an improved approach called the Cost OptimisatioN Framework for Implementing blue-Green infrastructURE (CONFIGURE). The optimisation framework integrates a detailed hydrodynamic flood simulation model with a multi-objective optimisation algorithm (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II). The use of a high-resolution flood simulation model ensures the explicit representation of BGI and other land use features to simulate flow pathways and surface flood risk accurately, while the optimisation algorithm guarantees achieving the best cost-benefit trade-offs for given BGI options. The current study uses the advanced CityCAT hydrodynamic flood model to evaluate the efficiency of the optimisation framework and the impact of location and size of permeable interventions on the optimisation process and subsequent cost-benefit trade-offs. This is achieved by dividing permeable surface areas into intervention zones of varying size and quantity. Furthermore, rainstorm events with 100-year and 30-year return periods are analysed to identify any common optimal solutions for different rainfall intensities. Depending on the number of intervention locations, the automated framework reliably achieves optimal BGI implementation solutions in a fraction of the time required to find the best solutions by trialling all possible options. Designing and optimising interventions with smaller sizes but many permeable zones save a good fraction of investment. However, such a design scheme requires more computational time to find optimal options. Furthermore, the optimal spatial configuration of BGI varies with different rainstorm severities, suggesting a need for careful selection of the rainstorm return period. Based on the results, CONFIGURE shows promise in devising sustainable urban flood risk management designs.

A COVID replication and extension of firms’ resilience to supply chain disruptions

PurposeThe purpose is to replicate and extend Ambulkar et al.’s (2015) work testing resource reconfiguration as a mediator of the supply chain disruption/firm resilience relationship and testing risk management infrastructure as a moderator. This study extends the work of Ambulkar in that it uses analysis of survey data gathered from manufacturing firms during an actual disruption event (COVID-19). The previous work is also in extended in that the authors include a pandemic disruption impact variable and supply chain performance is an expanded model.Design/methodology/approachPartial least squares structural equation modeling techniques were used to analyze data gathered from 184 US manufacturing managers during the height (Summer 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsTwo of four of Ambulkars et al.’s (2015) hypotheses were confirmed as relevant to firm resilience during the pandemic while two were not confirmed. Results also show that supply chain disruption orientation, risk management infrastructure and resource reconfiguration combine to improve firm resilience, which in turn improves supply chain performance while mitigating the disruption impact of COVID-19.Originality/valuePrevious work is replicated and extended, using data from an actual disruption event (COVID-19). This study presents a more comprehensive model using a newly developed and validated scale to measure pandemic impact and including supply chain performance.

Is the Implementation of Risk Management Just a Formality? Evidence from a Public Sector Organization

This study aims to describe the implementation of risk management and explore the perceptions of risk owners about its impact. This research was conducted at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, especially in the service unit for procuring goods and construction services, considering the large budget and the number of auction packages. The research was designed as qualitative research with a case study approach. Data collection uses in-depth interviews to explore phenomena related to implementing risk management in these public sector organizations—data analysis using the Interactive Data Model. The research results show that implementing risk management is not only seen as a mere formality but as a necessity for the organization. In these public sector organizations, the effectiveness in implementing risk management is, on average, in the defined category, which means it is effective in creating and protecting organizational value. Although risk management is still carried out partially, the overall risk management system has begun to be structured and realized. On the other hand, there are still obstacles in risk management infrastructure, such as the unavailability of a risk management information system, limited understanding of risk management, and the absence of a specific budget related to risk management. In overcoming this problem, the solutions offered are to build a risk management information system, conduct education and training, and allocate a specific budget for risk management.

Advancing flood resilience: the nexus between flood risk management, green infrastructure, and resilience

IntroductionClimate change and the fast pace of urbanization are two major factors contributing to the exacerbated risk of flooding in urban areas. Flood resilience strategies, underpinned by the principles of green infrastructure, are gaining importance as within broader spatial planning approaches, and various global cities are adopting revised policies and frameworks to improve flood risk management. Yet, such responsive approaches are still limited and context-specific.MethodsIn this article, thematic analysis using NVivo was employed to analyse 49 documents related to flood risk management, resilience, and green infrastructure planning.ResultsThis paper reflects on the concepts of flood risk management, flood resilience and green infrastructure planning to identify the synergies between these concepts, and identify challenges that are prohibiting global flood resilience.DiscussionEnhancing flood resilience requires coordinated efforts, effective communication, and collaborative governance among stakeholders. The paper also draws planning recommendations for advancing flood resilience through governance and an integrated planning approach, in support of the global goals toward flood resilience.

Sustainable finance and business risk resilience: a conceptual perspective and suggestions for upcoming research

Purpose As public awareness of the concept of sustainable development has increased, a new investor market has appeared. These investors will only make investments in sustainable financial instruments. Yet, how corporate managers can effectively exploit this new financing concept to make their companies risk resilient remains unaddressed. This study, a conceptual research, aims to examine the impact of sustainable finance (SF) on business risk resilience (BR) and the impact of SF on risk management infrastructure (RI). It also addresses the impact of RI on BR and the mediating effect of the former between SF and BR in the corporate world. Finally, this research explores the moderating effect of managerial capability (MC) and firm technology-focused innovation capability (IC) between SF and RI. Design/methodology/approach This study incorporates both theoretical and empirical works in the sustainability, innovation, risk management and HRM fields. Afterwards, it constructs a conceptual model alongside suppositions that can be tested in further studies. Findings This study proposes that SF will enhance BR and RI. Moreover, RI will promote BR and positively intervene between SF and BR. Furthermore, MC and IC will reinforce the SF–RI impact such that the SF–RI impact will be strengthened for companies whose MCs and ICs are high than low. Research limitations/implications This research affords suggestions for researchers in multidisciplinary fields. It reinforces BR and RI by introducing SF, MC and IC as tactical devices. It also serves as a reference point for forthcoming academics to investigate this conceptual model, empirically, in diverse industries worldwide. Practical implications Practical lessons for finance, investment and risk managers, as well as corporate investors are discussed. Originality/value This study provides a new research model that demonstrates how SF can be exploited to promote BR and build RI. It also shows how RI can bolster BR and how RI can connect SF to BR. This new model also exhibits how MC and IC moderate the impacts of SF and RI. Thus, it attempts to advance existing knowledge and theoretical frameworks.

Building responsive and resilient supply chains: Lessons from the COVID‐19 disruption

Building responsive and resilient supply chains: Lessons from the <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 disruption

Assessing challenges to sustainability and resilience of energy supply chain in Pakistan: a developing economy from Triple Bottom Line and UN SDGs’ perspective

ABSTRACT This research aims to identify and analyse the challenges faced by the energy–power supply chain (LNG Power) in Pakistan a developing economy from combined perspectives of supply chain sustainability and resilience in the context of the Triple Bottom Line framework, UN SDGs 7, 13 and energy security. The significance of this research increases many folds as energy-power supply chains have been severely disrupted by events such as COVID-19, the Russia–Ukraine war and massive devastation caused by floods in Pakistan. Pakistan meets more than 60% of its energy-power needs from natural gas (including LNG), being less harmful than coal and oil power generation. The industry is in a state of deep crisis as it faces a complex set of challenges. Exploratory research design using a mixed method case study approach was used for the identification and shortlisting of challenges. Later these were ranked using group BWM. Major challenges were lack of strategy, top management commitment, weak compliance to UN SDGs, stalled structural reforms, disasters, lack of supply chain orientation, risk management culture, financial instability, LNG non-availability, demand uncertainty, infrastructure inadequacies and lack of awareness of Industry 4.0. The research enables policy-making besides providing energy practitioners a roadmap to overcome these challenges.

The evolution of technical prerequisites and local boundary conditions for optimization of mitral valve interventions-Emphasis on skills development and institutional risk performance.

This viewpoint report describes how the evolution of transcatheter mitral valve intervention (TMVI) is influenced by lessons learned from three evolutionary tracks: (1) the development of treatment from mitral valve surgery (MVS) to transcutaneous procedures; (2) the evolution of biomedical engineering for research and development resulting in predictable and safe clinical use; (3) the adaptation to local conditions, impact of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) experience and creation of infrastructure for skills development and risk management. Thanks to developments in computer science and biostatistics, an increasing number of reports regarding clinical safety and effectiveness is generated. A full toolbox of techniques, devices and support technology is now available, especially in surgery. There is no doubt that the injury associated with a minimally invasive access reduces perioperative risks, but it may affect the effectiveness of the treatment due to incomplete correction. Based on literature, solutions and performance standards are formulated with an emphasis in technology and positive outcome. Despite references to Heart Team decision making, boundary conditions such as hospital infrastructure, caseload, skills training and perioperative risk management remain underexposed. The role of Biomedical Engineering is exclusively defined by the Research and Development (R&D) cycle including the impact of human factor engineering (HFE). Feasibility studies generate estimations of strengths and safety limitations. Usability testing reveals user friendliness and safety margins of clinical use. Apart from a certification requirement, this information should have an impact on the definition of necessary skills levels and consequent required training. Physicians Preference Testing (PPT) and use of a biosimulator are recommended. The example of the interaction between two Amsterdam heart centers describes the evolution of a professional ecosystem that can facilitate innovation. Adaptation to local conditions in terms of infrastructure, referrals and reimbursement, appears essential for the evolution of a complete mitral valve disease management program. Efficacy of institutional risk management performance (IRMP) and sufficient team skills should be embedded in an appropriate infrastructure that enables scale and offers complete and safe solutions for mitral valve disease. The longstanding evolution of mitral valve therapies is the result of working devices embedded in an ecosystem focused on developing skills and effective risk management actions.

A Taxonomy for Risk Assessment of Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure (TRACI)

Cybercrime against critical infrastructures such as nuclear reactors, power plants, and dams has been increasing in frequency and severity. Recent literature regarding these types of attacks has been extensive but due to the sensitive nature of this field, there is very little empirical data. We address these issues by integrating Routine Activity Theory and Rational Choice Theory, and we create a classification tool called TRACI (Taxonomy for Risk Assessment of Cyberattacks on Critical Infrastructure). We take a Design Science Research approach to develop, evaluate, and refine the proposed artifact. We use mixed methods to demonstrate that our taxonomy can successfully capture the characteristics of various cyberattacks against critical infrastructure. TRACI consists of three dimensions, and each dimension contains its own subdimensions. The first dimension comprises hacker motivation, which can be financial, socio-cultural, thrill-seeking, and/or economic. The second dimension represents the assets such as cyber, physical, and/or cyber-physical components. The third dimension is related to threats, vulnerabilities, and controls that are fundamental to establishing and maintaining an information security posture and overall cyber resilience. Our work is among the first to utilize criminological theories and Design Science to create an empirically validated artifact for improving critical infrastructure risk management.

Transport infrastructure risk management in the context of climate change: policies, challenges, and opportunities

Climatic events and their effects reinforce concern about global warming. Since climate change influences the frequency and intensity of natural hazards, resilience and risk mitigation research is growing worldwide. The main goal is to prepare communities for the effects of increasingly extreme hazards. The interaction between academia and asset owners and operators has made it possible to develop practical tools and risk assessment methodologies seeking effective decisions on asset management in face of these events. The challenge is complex and a solution will require knowledge from different fields. This work presents some existing research projects, methodologies, and policies, their successes, and the challenges arising from their application. The future of risk management research is discussed in this document with emphasis on the need to join the efforts of all stakeholders.

A framework to evaluate systemic risks of inland waterway infrastructure

PurposeThis paper aims to enable the evaluation of systemic risks resulting from missing or misallocated repair measures of inland waterways infrastructure. In this context, cascading effects and risks arising from interdependent Critical Infrastructures (CIs) are of particular interest. The systemic risk assessment is implemented as a GIS-based tool to support decision makers in a risk-based maintenance strategy. MethodologyA framework based on a chain of interdependent risks of different levels of the system represents the base model. The interlinkages of industries are quantified by Input-Output-Modeling and the spatial dimension is implemented as a GIS-based decision tool. FindingsFrom an analytical perspective, the close interconnection of the systems' levels (subsystems) under consideration can be traced. The results highlight critical buildings leading to potentially serious impacts on industry and population if the infrastructure elements are not maintained. Research limitationsThis research is focused on the framework and impacts on interdependent CIs, while work on the vulnerability of constructions and population protection, which complements our approach, is explored in more depth elsewhere. Practical implicationsMaintenance of infrastructure elements should be more risk-based than time-oriented to avoid potential damage and reduce impacts. OriginalityWe examine the interconnected subsystems construction, industry and population in an aggregated risk framework to quantify risks stemming from complex infrastructure interdependencies with waterways as rarely explored infrastructure in this context. The implementation of a decision support tool for infrastructure operators as risk dashboard enables the integration of the approach into everyday infrastructure risk management.

Frequency analysis of extreme scour depths at bridge piers and their contribution to bridge collapse risk

ABSTRACT Bridge failures due to scour occur more frequently than expected, although bridge design considers conservative scenarios, evidencing a stochastic scour behaviour and the need for improvements in current design procedures. In this paper, a new method for determination of design local scour depth at bridge piers is proposed. The results show that peaks-over-threshold series are better suited than annual-maximum series of maximum scour depths for frequency analysis. Extreme scour depths follow the heavy-tailed Cauchy distribution. Scour depths with a 100-year return period resulted in 22 to 202% of the equilibrium scour depth currently used in design, evidencing the need for a different criterion to select the design scour depth. The proposed method computes the design local scour depth based on its probability of occurrence, introducing a novel probabilistic approach in bridge design for enhanced infrastructure risk management compatible with multi-hazard analysis.

The impact of operational disruptions on performance in surgical settings: moderating roles of risk management infrastructure and information exchange

PurposeDrawing on normal accident and high-reliability organizational theories, this study examines the impact of magnitude and likelihood of disruptions on surgical procedure performance. More importantly, the authors investigate the moderating role played by information exchange and risk management infrastructure in mitigating the negative effect of disruption on performance.Design/methodology/approachA nationwide multi-respondent survey was administered to operating room personnel to collect information on their experiences with disruptions experienced in surgeries. The survey data are analyzed to examine the relationship between operational disruptions and procedure performance. Additionally, the moderating roles of risk management infrastructure and information exchange on the relationship between disruptions and performance are investigated. The results obtained from the empirical analysis are validated using data from an ethnographic investigation of surgeries at a major hospital.FindingsThe results show that both the magnitude and the likelihood of a disruption adversely impact procedure performance. Interestingly, the authors find that risk management infrastructure and information exchange play different roles in mitigating the effect of disruptions on performance. The authors find that while risk management infrastructure helps mitigate the effect of magnitude of service disruptions, information exchange helps reduce the effects of likelihood of disruptions. The findings lend strong support to the theoretical assertions. By means of the participant–observer data collected from over 100 surgeries as part of the ethnographic investigation, the authors validate the key findings. The findings suggest that disruptions are common occurrences in surgical settings, but their performance impact may be lessened or altogether avoided with the proper information and risk management mechanisms in place.Originality/valueThis survey research extends the understanding of risk management by considering a context that is highly prone to disruptions. The authors adopt existing constructs pertaining to supply chain disruptions within this context and find new insights. The findings of the study show differential roles played by information exchange and risk management infrastructure in mitigating disruptions. This nuanced understanding provides directions for aligning efforts towards risk mitigation in surgical settings in a more focused way. This study supplements findings from survey data analysis with an examination of data collected by means of ethnographic investigation.

0140 Operationalizing Sleep for the Military: Advancing an Infrastructure for Fatigue Risk Management with Wearable Technology

Abstract Introduction A recent investigation on fatigue within United States (US) Naval Surface Force by the Government Accountability Office recommended that the US Navy incorporate methods to empirically monitor and manage fatigue-related threats. In response, a feasibility effort was undertaken to assess two commercial wearable devices previously evaluated against polysomnography by our group for potential use within a novel fatigue monitoring system onboard US warships. Methods 501 Sailors from three warships (415 men, 85 women, 1 response missing; 29.1±7.4 years, mean±SD) were included in analyses. During multi-day missions at sea, participants were instructed to continuously wear a wrist-worn Fatigue Science Readiband and an Oura Ring. Participants met with the research team daily to sync wearable devices and complete self-ratings of sleep and fatigue on a tablet. While returning to port, participants completed a user experience questionnaire that included 5-point scales for device comfort and interference with daily activities (larger values indicate greater comfort or interference). Results There were no overall differences in total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency (SE) between devices (TST: Ring=352.23±87.1, Readiband=353.89±97.79; p=0.45, d=-0.01; SE: Ring=84.59±7.08, Readiband=84.20±10.24; p=0.06, d=0.04). There were 9 days for TST and 4 days for SE (of 66 total days) that resulted in effect sizes &amp;gt;0.50 between devices (for &amp;gt;0.20: TST, 39/66; SE, 29/66). Preliminary analyses between TST and self-reported exhaustion and inability to function suggest predictive relationships with the wearables (Ring: r=-0.20; Readiband: r=-0.21), with no relationship with SE across devices (both r&amp;lt;0.01). Average comfort ratings for Ring (3.74) exceeded Readiband (3.59), but this difference was small (p=0.04, d=0.12). Interference with daily activities was also similar between devices (Ring=2.10, Readiband=2.20; p=0.14, d=0.08). Conclusion Both commercial wearables performed similarly for their TST and SE assessments, and TST was associated with self-rated fatigue within this operational environment. While the ring form factor was selected more for comfort than the wrist form factor, the difference was small. Collectively, findings indicate that both devices show promise for operational use within fatigue monitoring systems. Further testing is being conducted to better understand the strengths and limitations of wearable devices for monitoring sleep in warship environments. Support (If Any) Military Operational Medicine Research Program

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): A Comprehensive Survey

We present a detailed survey of the Zero Trust (ZT) security paradigm which has a growing number of advocates in the critical infrastructure risk management space. The article employs a descriptive approach to present the fundamental tenets of ZT and provides a review of numerous potential options available for successful realization of this paradigm. We describe the role of authentication and access control in Zero Trust Architectures (ZTA) and present an in-depth discussion of state-of-the-art techniques for authentication and access control in different scenarios. Furthermore, we comprehensively discuss the conventional approaches to encryption, micro-segmentation, and security automation available for instantiating a ZTA. The article also details various challenges associated with contemporary authentication mechanisms, access control schemes, trust and risk computation techniques, micro-segmentation approaches, and Software-Defined Perimeter, that can impact the implementation of ZT in its true sense. Based upon our analysis, we finally pinpoint the potential future research directions for successful realization of ZT in critical infrastructures.

Reducing unintended retained foreign objects in operating rooms: a proactive risk assessment framework to improve patient safety

According to a study by Johns Hopkins, an average of 251,454 Americans die annually from medical errors. Medical error is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. after heart disease and cancer. Unintended retained foreign objects (URFOs) has been identified as the most common sentinel event by The Joint Commission. This paper proposes a proactive risk assessment framework to enhance patient safety in operating rooms by addressing the URFOs issue. This framework is developed by integrating the 10 traits of a positive safety culture, initially introduced by the nuclear industry and later adopted by other industries, with an accident investigation methodology called AcciMap, originally developed by Rasmussen. The AcciMap is a hierarchical framework consisting of several layers: government and regulatory bodies, company (hospital), (surgery division) management, (operating room) staff, and work. Thirty main categories of socio-technical contributing causes of URFOs were captured across the AcciMap layers. Organizational factors were identified as the root cause of questionable decisions made by staff and management. Financial and budget constraints, inadequate training infrastructure, absence of a risk management infrastructure, and leadership failure are the most influential organizational factors contributed to URFOs. Our mapping of the aforementioned positive safety culture traits on the AcciMap depicted that the four traits of Work Processes, Leadership Safety Values and Actions, Effective Communication, and Continuous Learning had the most influence on the URFOs issue. Associated recommendations to these findings are provided to contribute to reducing risks of URFOs instances.

Investigating the Factors Affecting Delays in Infrastructure Projects

Time and expense overruns are regular occurrences in the construction industry all around the world but these are a major concern in developing countries such as India, and their consequences can be extremely harmful when public infrastructure projects are concerned. In India as per the MoS &amp; PI report, as of October 2019, there were 552 delayed construction projects, and the mean time overrun in these 552 delayed projects is29.07 months. Many studies in the literature review previously, have concentrated on a variety of infrastructure risk management issues but there have only been a few studies that have looked into the overall dynamics of infrastructure and how a project's timeline can be affected by changing risk interactions. This article aids in the investigation of the variables and causes of construction delays in infrastructure projects.

Investigating the Factors Affecting Delays in Infrastructure Projects

Time and expense overruns are regular occurrences in the construction industry all around the world but these are a major concern in developing countries such as India, and their consequences can be extremely harmful when public infrastructure projects are concerned. In India as per the MoS & PI report, as of October 2019, there were 552 delayed construction projects, and the mean time overrun in these 552 delayed projects is29.07 months. Many studies in the literature review previously, have concentrated on a variety of infrastructure risk management issues but there have only been a few studies that have looked into the overall dynamics of infrastructure and how a project's timeline can be affected by changing risk interactions. This article aids in the investigation of the variables and causes of construction delays in infrastructure projects.

From gray copycats to green wolves: policy and infrastructure for flood risk management

Flooding has affected over two billion people since 1995. While gray infrastructure such as levees and dams has traditionally been used to mitigate this hazard, many communities are looking for approaches to augment or replace some of these structural solutions. Propelled by the regulatory support for green infrastructure approaches for stormwater management, some communities are also looking to green infrastructure for flood risk management (FRM). We apply the internal determinants and regional diffusion models to evaluate how floodplain management policies are evolving in place and diffusing through policy networks in several case studies from Oregon, US. We then develop several propositions as a way of focusing our findings on the community objectives and policy processes for FRM, contributing to the literature on policy innovation and adoption, and elucidating the nuances of these models for explaining FRM.

Developing Business Risk Resilience through Risk Management Infrastructure: The Moderating Role of Big Data Analytics

ABSTRACT This article evaluates how firms are able to enhance the effectiveness of their Risk Management Infrastructure (RMI) by using Big Data Analytics (BDA) to improve their risk resilience capability. A theoretical model is developed and the corresponding hypothesis is tested through a survey instrument and quantitative analysis. The results show that if firms adopt BDA capabilities then it positively moderates the impact of RMI on risk resilience, improving the effectiveness of a risk management infrastructure.