Planning Methodology Research Articles

The Role of Data Analytics in Digital Transformation: A Study of how Firms Leverage Data for Insights

Big data helps organisations undergo a digital transition. The majority of businesses rely on big data to enhance the dependability, velocity, calibre, and effectiveness of their corporate operations. Large volumes of information are known to be collected, stored, and maintained by big data, which gives businesses a competitive edge. The main research gap addressed by previous writing studies is the lack of a thorough analysis on the use of massive amounts of data for computerised transformation. This is addressed by looking at the key benefits, opportunities, and challenges that big data poses to businesses as they cautiously alter their structure. This research advances knowledge about big data in general by employing a case study technique involving Google and a comprehensive survey of the literature. The study's findings demonstrate how companies work together to leverage the potential of big data analytics, especially for profitability, market expansion, decision-making, and information synthesis. Furthermore, this study recommends the use of business intelligence strategies and long-term planning methodologies to guarantee data protection.

Performance Evaluation of Various Path Planning Methods for Robotics and Computational Geometry

INTRODUCTION: In integrating Spiral Coverage into Cellular Decomposition, which combines structured grid-based techniques with flexible, quick spiral traversal, time efficiency is increased.OBJECTIVES: In the field of robotics and computational geometry, the study proposes a comparative exploration of two prominent path planning methodologies—Boustrophedon Cellular Decomposition and the innovative Spiral Coverage. Boustrophedon coverage has limitations in time efficiency due to its back-and-forth motion pattern, which can lead to lengthier coverage periods, especially in congested areas. Nevertheless, it is useful in some situations. It is critical to address these time-related issues to make Boustrophedon algorithms more useful in practical settings. METHODS: The research centres on achieving comprehensive cell coverage, addressing the complexities arising from confined spaces and intricate geometries. While conventional methods emphasise route optimization between points, the coverage path planning approach seeks optimal paths that maximize coverage and minimize associated costs. This study delves into the theory, practical implementation, and application of Spiral Coverage integrated with established cellular decomposition techniques.RESULTS: Through comparative analysis, it illustrates the advantages of spiral coverage over boustrophedon coverage in diverse robotics and computational applications. The research highlights Spiral Coverage's superiority in terms of path optimization, computational efficiency, and adaptability, proposing a novel perspective into cell decomposition. The methodology integrates the Spiral Coverage concept, transcending traditional techniques reliant on grids or Voronoi diagrams. Rigorous evaluation validates its potential to enhance path planning, exemplifying a substantial advancement in robotics and computational geometry.CONCLUSION: Our findings show that spiral coverage is on an average 45% more efficient than conventional Boustrophedon coverage. This paper set the basis for the future work on how different algorithms can traverse different shapes more efficiently.

RESEARCH MODEL CANVAS: APPLICATION IN ACADEMIC RESEARCH PLANNING

This article deals with academic research planning and its structural nuances, as a fundamental part of the development of scientific research, in achieving its objectives and obtaining valid and reliable results. It inquires about its conventional form of construction and presentation through the textual document and aims to propose a new instrument for the planning of academic research. It discusses Design Thinking, Business Model Generation and Project Model Canvas, as project planning and management methodologies applied in other areas of knowledge that have as a common characteristic their conciseness, etymological basis and visual presentation format. It is structured on the methodology of the 4 (four) poles: epistemological, theoretical, morphological and technical. Finally, it presents the proposal of the Research Model Canvas as an innovative instrument for the planning of academic research, developed in a robust but concise way, based on the quadripolar methodology, in a single sheet or screen document called academic research canvas and its history of application in postgraduate disciplines and in a Research Group of the Federal University of Ceará.

Forecasting Daily Radiotherapy Patient Volumes in a Tertiary Hospital Using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) Models.

The purpose is to predict the volume of patients treated daily with radiotherapy using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. In this retrospective study, data from the billing records detailing daily radiotherapy treatment sessions were extracted from the Hospital Information System and analyzed. The study included all patients treated from January 2004 to December 2022. The analysis was divided into two parts: First, the data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Second, time series forecasting with the implementation of an ARIMA model for estimating patient volumes. For the ARIMA modeling process, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used for classical model optimization. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) was used for evaluating between different models. Residual analysis was performed in each model using the Ljung-Box test, Jarque-Bera test, and heteroskedasticity test to identify autocorrelation, normal distribution, and variances that could undermine the reliability of the model. A total of 895,808 radiotherapy sessions were included in the study. The median number of radiotherapy sessions per day was 181 (150, 205). A clear transition to more modern radiotherapy equipment, particularly the Truebeam accelerator, was observed, indicating a growing dependency on advanced techniques such as volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The best ARIMA model predicted an increase in demand, projecting an average daily patient volume of 279.40 by 2030. The study highlights the need for advanced forecasting methodologies in healthcare resource planning and emphasizes the importance of considering environmental and external factors for effective and accurate resource allocation strategies.

Land Cover Dynamics of Al-Hammar Marsh: Restoration Plan Methodology Assessment

Land Cover Dynamics of Al-Hammar Marsh: Restoration Plan Methodology Assessment

Urban Renovation from Precarious to Sustainable Districts: Study Case of Mvog-Ada in Yaounde

This article explores the possibility of transforming precarious neighbourhoods, commonly known as slums, into good-living and environmentally- friendly places by rethinking their layout. It examines the state of the study case and highlights the relationships between the road system, parcels of land and other components of the urban fabric, with the aim of resolving the problems caused by the poor occupation of urban space and the lack of architectural knowledges and basic infrastructure necessary for people's lives in Cameroon. This research addresses the problems of anarchic urbanisation, urban densification and unhealthy living conditions, it proposes concrete solutions for decongesting the area, strategically redeveloping the space and ensuring the sustainable development of the site, while incorporating a biomimetic and circular approach. To achieve this goal, it was important to put in place a renovation strategy that is both up-to-date and adapted to the local context. With this in mind, this work presents a comprehensive and innovative master plan designed to solve the problems of development, bad urban traffic and degradation of the area through the use of an appropriate methodology of sustainable urban planning. Finally, the concept of sustainable district is presented as a pillar of the development of precarious districts and as an opportunity of growth for the development of their country.

Anticipating prosperity: a systemic analysis of long-term economic trajectories

PurposeThis study introduces an innovative approach to long-term economic forecasting by integrating anticipatory governance (AG) and causal layered analysis methodologies. Focussing on emerging economies, with Vietnam as a case study, we explore potential economic trajectories to 2050.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative economic projections with qualitative scenario building and analysis.FindingsOur findings reveal four distinct future scenarios, ranging from low growth to transformative change. The preferred scenario, characterized by adaptive change, projects a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of $30,684 by 2050, with significant reductions in agricultural labour and improvements in human development indicators.Originality/valueThis study contributes to theoretical and practical domains by demonstrating the value of integrated foresight methodologies in economic planning. It offers policymakers a comprehensive framework for navigating complex, long-term economic challenges and opportunities. This research underscores the importance of adaptive governance and systemic thinking in achieving sustainable, inclusive economic growth in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

A dosimetric and robustness analysis of proton arc therapy with early energy layer and spot assignment for lung cancer versus conventional intensity modulated proton therapy.

Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) faces challenges in lung cancer treatment, like maintaining plan robustness for moving tumors against setup, range errors, and interplay effects. Proton Arc Therapy (PAT) is an alternative to maintain target coverage, potentially improving organ at risk (OAR) sparing, reducing beam delivery time (BDT), and enhancing patient experience. We aim to perform a systematic plan comparison study between IMPT and energy layer (EL) and spot assignment algorithm - Proton Arc Therapy (ELSA-PAT) to assess its potential for lung cancer treatment. A total of 14 Lung ELSA-PAT plans were compared retrospectively with IMPT plans. 4D worst-case minimax robust optimization was performed, including 84 scenarios (3%, 3 mm). Dosimetry assessment included target (clinical tumor volume [CTV]) and important OARs, on nominal and worst-case scenarios. Most relevant normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP), target coverage robustness against interplay effect, and BDT were evaluated. CTV D95% and D98% showed no significant difference in comparison. PAT demonstrated better conformality by 66% (p = 0.00012) but delivered a higher heart mean dose (HMD, 23%). There was a 2% increase in NTCP 2-year mortality risk with PAT. Total BDT was comparable among techniques. IMPT was more robust than PAT against interplay effect, considering both D1% (1.0 ± 0.8 Gy vs 1.1 ± 1.4 Gy) and D98% bandwidths (0.9 ± 0.9 Gy vs 1.1 ± 1.3 Gy). Both techniques provide a similar level of dose coverage to the target volume. Although PAT improved dose conformality, higher HMD translated into increased heart toxicity, presumably due to chosen planning methodology and OAR proximity to target. Increased ELs and spots raised PAT BDT, although it could improve daily treatment workflow.

Стратегические перспективы развития отрасли цветных металлов: проблемы и задачи отечественных производителей

The non-ferrous metallurgy industry in Russia is undergoing profound changes due to geopolitical shifts, the transition to green energy, and the need to develop processing industries. Non-ferrous metals, as strategically important products, can play a decisive role in achieving the global goals of the Russian economy related to economic security, the development of domestic markets, the reconstruction of high-tech industries, the modernization of stably functioning industries, and the improvement of the quality of life for the population. The purpose of this research is to study the trends and risks affecting non-ferrous metal producers and to assess the opportunities and challenges for developing both external and domestic markets, ultimately aiming to ensure sustainable demand for the products of mining companies and metal producers. The primary research methods used include general scientific approaches such as comparative analysis, synthesis, and decomposition. This paper reviews the current state of Russia's non-ferrous metallurgy sector and explores its development prospects, with a specific focus on Norilsk Nickel, a key player operating in the Arctic. The main results of the study include an assessment of the current global market for non-ferrous metals, their role in the energy transition, and the formation of a low-carbon economy. The study also analyzes and summarizes the challenges facing domestic non-ferrous metallurgy and suggests potential directions for its development in the current economic context. A critical analysis of the Strategy for the Development of the Metallurgical Industry of the Russian Federation for the Period up to 2030 reveals that several important aspects and issues are not adequately addressed in the document. For example, it lacks a strategic planning methodology and fails to consider the specific characteristics and potential of the Arctic’s non-ferrous mineral resource base. The practical significance of this study lies in clarifying the prospects for utilizing non-ferrous metals to support the revitalization of high-tech industries in the national economy.

A High-Efficiency Two-Layer Path Planning Method for UAVs in Vast Airspace

In response to the challenges associated with the inefficiency and poor quality of 3D path planning for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operating in vast airspace, a novel two-layer path planning method is proposed based on a divide-and-conquer methodology. This method segregates the solution process into two distinct stages: heading planning and path planning, thereby ensuring the planning of both efficiency and path quality. Firstly, the path planning phase is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem, taking into account the environmental constraints of the UAV mission and path safety. Subsequently, the multi-dimensional environmental data is transformed into a two-dimensional probabilistic map. An improved ant colony algorithm is proposed to efficiently generate high-quality sets of headings, facilitating the preliminary heading planning for UAVs. Then, the three-dimensional environment of the heading regions is extracted, and an improved Dung Beetle algorithm with multiple strategies is proposed to optimize the three-dimensional path in the secondary layer accurately. The efficacy and quality of the proposed path planning methodology are substantiated through comprehensive simulation analysis.

Research on Public Space Interior Environmental Planning and Design Method Based on BIM Topological Relationships

With the wide application of building information modeling (BIM) technology in the field of architectural design, this study aims to explore the planning and design method of public space internal environment based on BIM topological relationship. Through in-depth analysis of the data structure and spatial topological relationships of BIM models, this study proposes a public space design framework that combines user needs and environmental standards. Collect and convert relevant data of public spaces into BIM models, use BIM technology to establish detailed models of spatial elements and their topological relationships, combine spatial connectivity, line of sight, and flow simulation analysis, and consider key factors such as spatial layout, lighting, and ventilation. Realize the planning and design of indoor environments in public spaces. The experimental results indicate that the method can effectively improve the quality of public space design and promote the sustainable development of the environment. This study not only highlights the application potential of BIM in public space design, but also provides a new design methodology for the internal environmental planning of public space.

Kinematic–kinetic compliant acetabular cup positioning based on preoperative motion tracking and musculoskeletal modeling for total hip arthroplasty

The invention of the surgical robot enabled accurate component implantation during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, a preoperative surgical planning methodology is still lacking to determine the acetabular cup alignment considering the patient-specific hip functions during daily activities such as walking. To simultaneously avoid implant edgeloading and impingement, this study established a kinematic–kinetic compliant (KKC) acetabular cup positioning method based on preoperative gait kinematics measurement and musculoskeletal modeling. Computed tomography images around the hip joint and their biomechanical data during gait, including motion tracking and foot–ground reaction forces, were collected. Using the reconstructed pelvic and femur geometries, the patient-specific hip muscle insertions were located in the lower limb musculoskeletal model via point cloud registration. The designed cup orientation has to be within the patient-specific safe zone to prevent implant impingement, and the optimized value selected based on the time-dependent hip joint reaction force to minimize the risk of edgeloading. As a validation of the proposed musculoskeletal model, the predicted lower limb muscle activations for seven patients were correlated with their surface electromyographic measurements, and the computed hip contact force was also in quantitative agreement with data from the literature. However, the designed cup orientations were not always within the well-known Lewinnek safe zone, highlighting the importance of KKC surgical planning based on patient-specific biomechanical evaluations.

A Sustainable City Made By Resident-Experts - How Designerly Intervention Enacted Rights of the Public and Urban Infrastructure

This paper proposes an investigation of how enacting infrastructure is intertwined with historically specific processes of constructing the public, which necessitates a focus on the co-production of public problems and the public, and the establishment of infrastructural connections. Intervening in the context where reflexive planning and design methodologies are deployed to implement urban regeneration through public engagement (what I call “designerly intervention”), this paper investigates what type of collectivity is constituted as infrastructural publics by designerly interventions and what forms of rights they can have. Drawing on ethnographic accounts of urban regeneration in Seoul, it shows how designerly interventions mobilize residents as possessing a novel form of expertise, as “resident-experts” who can design a sustainable city, problematizing the renewal of the worn-out infrastructure as how to stimulate the resilience of a city. This results in an infrastructural connection that focuses on immediate results and the ordinary scale of urban regeneration, which enacts the rights of the public as city-users’ rights, namely not as rights protected by law but as a practical capacity that infrastructural devices in everyday life provide. This paper explores how designerly interventions invoke an experimental approach that opens up the normative questions of public engagement with planning.

Machine learning-aided risk-based inspection strategy for hydrogen technologies

Although technically challenging, effective, safe, and economical transport is crucial for enabling a widespread rollout of hydrogen technologies. A promising option to transport large amounts of hydrogen lies in employing retrofitted natural gas pipelines. Nevertheless, H2-rich environments tend to degrade pipeline steels, reducing their load-bearing capability and accelerating crack propagation. Regular inspection and maintenance activities can preserve the pipelines’ integrity and guarantee safe operations. The risk-based inspection (RBI) approach is based on estimating the risk for each component item. It focuses most inspection activities on high-risk components to reduce costs while maximizing the plant’s safety and availability. However, the RBI standards do not consider hydrogen-induced degradations and cannot be adopted for industrial equipment operating in H2 environments. This study proposes a novel ad-hoc methodology for the risk-based inspection planning of hydrogen handling equipment. A machine-learning model to predict the fatigue crack growth in gaseous hydrogen environments is developed and integrated with the conventional RBI approach. The proposed methodology is validated on three pipelines transporting hydrogen and natural gas in different concentrations. The results show how similar operating conditions can determine different degradation rates depending on the environment and highlight how hydrogen-enhanced fatigue can reduce the pipelines’ lifetime.

A sidewalk-level urban heat risk assessment framework using pedestrian mobility and urban microclimate modeling

Climate change and the associated increase in heat-related hazards pose a pressing threat to urban residents’ health and well-being. People, when walking in particular, are at risk of experiencing heat stress as they navigate urban environments. This study proposes a novel heat risk assessment framework combining pedestrian mobility modeling with urban microclimate modeling. Using this framework, we assessed pedestrian heat-related exposure and risk in urban areas by integrating the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) as the hazard and pedestrian trips to critical destinations as exposure. We considered temporal variation, in both hazard and exposure, by examining different time periods during the day—morning peak, midday, and evening peak. In addition to hazard and exposure, we also considered vulnerability by focusing on young children and older adults. We contribute to improving the spatial resolution of heat risk assessment by analyzing the hazard for pedestrian trips between home locations and five critical destinations—bus stops, rail stations, parks, schools, and commercial amenities—at the address-point level and using a pedestrian network comprising sidewalks and crosswalks. Our framework helps identify sidewalks with high heat exposure levels as well as home locations with high cumulative heat risk, accounting for walking trips to critical destinations along feasible routes. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this framework by applying it to a 36-square-kilometer area of central Los Angeles, CA. Our findings offer valuable information to urban planners and policy-makers, supporting evidence-based prioritization of intervention sites, climate adaptation strategies, and policy decisions essential for climate-proof planning. By implementing targeted interventions in areas where heat hazard is expected to affect the most vulnerable pedestrians, planners can create heat-resilient, pedestrian-friendly environments while prioritizing the health and well-being of vulnerable groups. This study contributes to the growing knowledge of robust risk assessment methodologies for climate-proof planning, specifically with regard to addressing outdoor heat-related risks during extreme heat events.

Civic Engagement in Urban Planning and Development

The scientific literature has revealed that there is often a discrepancy between urban planning initiatives and the actual development of cities. Urban development is a complex process strongly affected by the self-organisation of citizens and entrepreneurs, who produce services and events, create new public places, and shape urban regeneration through everyday practices. However, the actors of self-organised urban development are rarely met in participatory urban planning practices. The gap raises the research problem of how to recognise and facilitate civic engagement in urban development. The authors of this article have been investigating the ontology and methodology of urban planning and development over the past two decades, culminating in the framework of expanded urban planning. The article aims to present multiple approaches to civic engagement in urban planning and development, based on an updated longitudinal study conducted in a Helsinki neighbourhood. The authors argue that urban planning should be updated with expanded urban planning (EP), which extends the focus of civic engagement from public participation to self-organisation and everyday life practices.

State target pogrammes in the system of results-based budgeting: Legal aspect

The relevance of this study is conditioned by the need to improve the legal regulation of state targeted programmes in Ukraine, which is an essential part of the results-based budgeting methodology. Due to the constant changes in the budget planning system, there is a need for a comprehensive study of the effectiveness of such programmes and optimisation of legal support. The purpose of this study was to formulate scientific and theoretical provisions for identifying systemic shortcomings in the implementation of budget targeted programmes, assessing the effectiveness of legal regulation and developing a unified methodology for strategic planning. To fulfil this purpose, the study employed the dialectical method of analysis, as well as special legal methods, including comparative and historical and legal analysis. The study examined the evolution of the budget planning system in Ukraine, starting with state programmes, which were replaced by state targeted programmes, and ending with national projects. It was found that, despite the changes in the titles of the documents, the main problems persist, namely, the uncertainty of the methodology for developing programmes and inconsistency of legal norms. The study analysed the causal factors of failures in the implementation of state targeted programmes, including unclear and redundant development methodology, as well as problems with legal regulation. The conclusions on the need to improve the legislation governing certain elements of national projects were summarised, and the expediency of continuing to apply result-based budgeting for state targeted programmes was confirmed. The practical value of this study lies in the fact that its findings can be used by public administration bodies, developers of strategic documents, and academics to improve the budget planning process and improve the implementation of state targeted programmes

Combating COVID-19 health disparities in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Communities-A call for critical systems thinking.

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations in the United States are disproportionately affected by the emerging health threat SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. This paper aims to demonstrate the usefulness of critical systems thinking by using scenario planning based on epidemiological data and tying epidemiology with soft systems methodology to investigate COVID-19 disparities among disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations. Using a review of the COVID-19 literature and publicly available US COVID-19 data, critical systems thinking is applied in a scenario planning example and a call to link soft systems methodology with epidemiology. According to the four plausible Endgame scenarios, levels of community transmission as well as the current state transmission are based on the driving forces of the scenarios. In addition, soft systems methodology explores the effect on stakeholders and strengthens the picture of disease burden beyond sole reliance on traditional data sources. This analysis underscores employing critical systems thinking to critically assess diverse methods appropriate for the ongoing complexity of global crises. It is argued that critically engaged subjectivity should be given space alongside data-dependent objectivity. COVID-19 disparities are reliant on the social determinants of health's effects as driving forces on disease transmission in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations. It is moreover argued that critical systems thinking is demonstrated by linking epidemiological evidence with scenario planning and soft systems methodology. This in turn supports a critical systems thinking approach to uncover the state of health disparities among minoritized communities under COVID-19.

Path planning for Multi-USV target coverage in complex environments

This research introduces a path planning methodology aimed at coordinating multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to accomplish target coverage task in obstacle-rich environments. Leveraging the locking sweeping method (LSM), our proposed method constructs task target point distance fields that integrates environmental constraints, alongside a task target point distance matrix. During the task allocation phase, we design a cost assessment function to assess the generated allocation solutions. And a greedy allocation strategy is employed to determine the optimal number of USVs required for mission completion, ensuring evenly distribution of target task points among them. Subsequently, we improve the ant colony optimization (ACO) method by redesigning the heuristic function and pheromone update rules, considering environmental constraints and task execution sequence constraints. This refinement facilitates the generation of optimized task execution sequences and safe navigation paths in obstacle environments. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through multiple sets of simulation experiments and compared with existing methods. The results demonstrate the practicality and efficacy of the method in addressing the challenges of USVs target coverage task in obstacle environments.

Implementation of the budgeting methodology and business planning based on risk assessment in a gas transportation organization

The authors have developed a methodology for budgeting and business planning, taking into account risk assessment, which allows to systematize the process of planning and making managerial decisions taking into account possible risks. The approach is based on an analysis of current and potential operational risks, as well as their integration into the budgeting and business planning process. The approbation of the methodology is carried out in a gas transportation organization.