Objectives Of Different Stakeholders Research Articles

Co-designing management recommendations with stakeholders: A case study about northern pike (Esox lucius) in the southern Baltic Sea

Involving all interest groups, often called stakeholders, is increasingly recognized as a key part of sustainable natural resource management, promoting acceptability and compliance with management decisions. However, there is the difficulty of how to build trust, integrate diverse knowledge bases and account for varying objectives of different stakeholders. We present insights from a fisheries stakeholder process that used structured decision making and participatory modelling in a workshop series over the course of three years to develop management advice for a northern pike (Esox lucius) meta-population inhibiting brackish lagoons of the southern Baltic Sea in Germany. The stock is co-exploited by commercial and recreational fisheries who are in conflict over space and fish and vary in values. We formed and professionally facilitated a stakeholder group composed of 15 representatives of all main interest groups. The workshops generated a shared vision and seven mutually agreed management objectives that combined aspects of biological, ecological, economic, and social sustainability. To meet objectives, the group identified more than 40 management options, revolving around stock monitoring, control and surveillance, knowledge transfer, harvest regulations, habitat management, predator control and pike stocking. Participatory model building provided forecasts on the impacts of selected management options, allowing to transparently examine trade-offs based on quantitative criteria matched to objectives. The process overall led to stakeholder consensus about multiple management tools that the group recommended to government officials for future management reform. Challenges remain as to the communication of irreducible ecological and social uncertainties associated with quantitative predictions. In this context, cognitive maps about cause-and-effect relationships affecting pike were found useful to integrate knowledge and remind about uncertainties. Our case study shows that stakeholder-inclusive approaches using structured decision making and participatory modelling with professional facilitation are time- and planning-intensive, but can promote common system understanding and development of mutually agreed management advice also in heterogeneous stakeholder groups that are often in severe conflict with each other.

Optimum design of the chute-flip bucket system using evolutionary algorithms considering conflicts between decision-makers

Various stakeholders with conflicting preferences are involved in the design of the chute-flip bucket system. In this research, a feasible methodology is proposed for optimizing the design of the chute-flip bucket system that considers the conflicting preferences of various stakeholders. Accordingly, the FLOW-3D® model was developed and calibrated and was used to simulate the hydraulic behavior of the chute-flip bucket system. This model was then run for different geometric scenarios, and the resulting database was used to train an MLP-ANN meta-model. Given the utility functions of different stakeholders, the meta-model was coupled with the NSGA-II and NSGA-III optimization models. Results show that the latter performed better. Lastly, to obtain the best design alternative and a compromise among the stakeholders, Pareto optimal solutions were examined using Social Choice Rules and the Unanimity Fallback Bargaining method. The application of the proposed method in Jareh Dam, Iran, showed that the optimum scenario (selected by the Unanimity Fallback Bargaining method) enhance the energy dissipation and cavitation index by about 12.5 and 9.5%, respectively, while compared to the current chute-flip bucket system the cost remained almost constant. The results provide useful knowledge regarding the robust design of hydraulic structures, taking into account the conflicting objectives of different stakeholders.

The Benefit Realization Mechanism of Pumped Storage Power Plants Based on Multi-Dimensional Regulation and Leader-Follower Decision-Making

The roles and benefits of pumped storage are reflected in different stakeholders of the power system. The multi-dimensionality and non-linearity of pumped storage multi-stakeholder decision-making make pumped storage benefit realization a hot research topic with challenges. This paper takes pumped storage benefit sharing as the breakthrough. It adopts multiple regulation strategies and multi-level decision-making measures based on the multiple objectives of different stakeholders. A method and a framework for pumped storage benefit realization are proposed. This paper proposes the objective function system with the fairness objective at the leader level, the participation objective at the secondary leader level, and the efficiency objective at the follower level. It also constructs a three-level Leader-Follower objective model with multi-dimensional regulation and multiple values, and it develops the corresponding solution method based on Stackelberg dynamic game and interactive algorithms. The results reveal that the values of fairness, participation, and efficiency indicators of the pumped storage plant are 1.75%, 0.25%, and 9.75%, respectively, and all the indicators meet the requirements. The research results are conducive to promoting the realization of a win-win situation for different stakeholders of pumped storage, and they highlight how pumped storage plants can fulfill their functions in the power system as well as ensure its survival and development.

Strategic, fundamental and means objectives of different stakeholders in collaboration between universities and surrounding society

ABSTRACT Universities play an important role in the development of society. However, it is not always clear what the objectives of collaboration between a Higher Education Institution (HEI) and external stakeholders from the surrounding society are. In this study, value-focused thinking was applied to construct structures of strategic, fundamental and means objectives of different stakeholders working practically with collaboration between an HEI and the surrounding society. Respondents in three groups of stakeholders from a university and external parties were interviewed. Focus in this study is on general objectives of collaboration between an HEI and the surrounding society. Based on the interviews and feedback, objectives were identified and SSFMO (Structure of Strategic, Fundamental and Means Objectives) was constructed from each respondent’s answer. Generally, the fundamental objectives differed more between the stakeholders than the means objectives did. How SSFMOs could be used in practical collaboration projects is discussed in the paper.

Strategic Policymaking for Implementing Renewable Portfolio Standards: A Tri-Level Optimization Approach

Appropriately designed renewable support policies can play a leading role in promoting renewable expansions and contribute to low emission goals. Meanwhile, ill-designed policies may distort electricity markets, put power utilities and generation companies on an unlevel playing field and, in turn, cause inefficiencies. This paper proposes a framework to optimize policymaking for renewable energy sources, while incorporating conflicting interests and objectives of different stakeholders. We formulate a tri-level optimization problem where each level represents a different entity: a state regulator, a power utility and a wholesale electricity market. To solve this tri-level problem, we exploit optimality conditions and develop a modification of the Column-and-Cut Generation (C&CG) algorithm that generates cuts for bilinear terms. The case study based on the ISO New England 8-zone test system reveals different policy trade-offs that policymakers face under different decarbonization goals and implementation scenarios.

The Development of an Escape Room-Based Serious Game to Trigger Social Interaction and Communication Between High-Functioning Children With Autism and Their Peers: Iterative Design Approach.

BackgroundChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social deficits that affect social interactions, communication, and relationships with peers. Many existing interventions focus mainly on improving social skills in clinical settings. In addition to the direct instruction–based programs, activity-based programs could be of added value, especially to bridge the relational gap between children with ASD and their peers.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to describe an iterative design process for the development of an escape room–based serious game as a boundary object. The purpose of the serious game is to facilitate direct communication between high-functioning children with ASD and their peers, for the development of social skills on the one hand and strengthening relationships with peers through a fun and engaging activity on the other hand.MethodsThis study is structured around the Design Research Framework to develop an escape room through an iterative-incremental process. With a pool of 37 children, including 23 children diagnosed with ASD (5 girls) and 14 children (7 girls) attending special primary education for other additional needs, 4 testing sessions around different prototypes were conducted. The beta prototype was subsequently reviewed by experts (n=12). During the design research process, we examined in small steps whether the developed prototypes are feasible and whether they have the potential to achieve the formulated goals of different stakeholders.ResultsBy testing various prototypes, several insights were found and used to improve the design. Insights were gained in finding a fitting and appealing theme for the children, composing the content, and addressing different constraints in applying the goals from the children’s and therapeutic perspectives. Eventually, a multiplayer virtual escape room, AScapeD, was developed. Three children can play the serious game in the same room on tablets. The first test shows that the game enacts equal cooperation and communication among the children.ConclusionsThis paper presents an iterative design process for AScapeD. AScapeD enacts equal cooperation and communication in a playful way between children with ASD and their peers. The conceptual structure of an escape room contributes to the natural emergence of communication and cooperation. The iterative design process has been beneficial for finding a constructive game structure to address all formulated goals, and it contributed to the design of a serious game as a boundary object that mediates the various objectives of different stakeholders. We present 5 lessons learned from the design process. The developed prototype is feasible and has the potential to achieve the goals of the serious game.

Multi-objective optimization model for airport gate assignment problem

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide feasible and fast solutions for the multi-objective airport gate assignment problem (AGAP) considering both passenger-oriented and airline-oriented objectives, which is the total walking distance from gate to baggage carousels (TWD) and the total aircraft fuel consumption during taxi operations (TFC). In addition, obtaining feasible and near-optimal solutions in a short time reduces the gate planning time to be spent by air traffic controllers.Design/methodology/approachThe mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach is implemented to solve the multi-objective AGAP. The weighted sum approach technique was applied in the model to obtain non-dominated solutions. Because of the complexity of the problem, the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm was used for the proposed model. The results were compared with baseline results, which were obtained from the algorithm using the fastest gate assignment and baggage carousel combinations without any conflict taking place at the gate assignments.FindingsThe proposed model noticeably decreased both the TWD and TFC. The improvement of the TWD and TFC changed from 22.8% to 46.9% and from 4.7% to 7.1%, respectively, according to the priorities of the objectives. Additionally, the average number of non-dominated solutions was calculated as 6.94, which presents many feasible solutions for air traffic controllers to manage ground traffic while taking the airline and passenger objectives into consideration.Practical implicationsThe proposed MILP model includes the objectives of different stakeholders: air traffic controllers, passengers and airlines. In addition, the proposed model can provide feasible gate and baggage carousel assignments together in a short time. Therefore, the model creates a flexibility for air traffic controllers to re-arrange assignments if any unexpected situations take place.Originality/valueThe proposed MILP model combines the TWD and TFC together for the AGAP problem using the SA. Moreover, the proposed model integrates passenger-oriented and airline-oriented objectives together and reveals the relationships between the objectives in only a short time.

Day-ahead Multi-objective Coordinated Optimization Strategy for Regional Scale Source Network Load Storage System

The regional scale source network load storage coordination system is an effective organization form to increase the proportion of clean energy and absorb distributed renewable energy. However, due to the different ownerships of various distributed resources in the system, balancing the interests of different stakeholders in the operation is an important issue to be considered. The types of distributed resources contained in the regional scale source network load and storage system and their belongingness are analyzed in different perspectives, and then the optimal operation strategy of distributed resources is proposed to balance the interests of different stakeholders. Based on this strategy, a bi-layer optimization model with energy supply cost minimization and the power consumption satisfaction maximization is established. It takes the power supply of the energy supplier and the power demand of consumer as the correlation variable of the upper and lower layer models, the analytical target cascading (ATC) theory is used to adjust the correlation variables iteratively until the power supply meets the power demand, and obtains the distributed resources trade-off operation plan satisfying different objectives. YALMIP modeling tool is used to call CPLEX solver on MATLAB platform to solve the model in parallel. An example based on the data of a regional scale source network load storage system shows that the optimization model and its solution strategy can effectively balance the optimization objectives of different stakeholders.

Design of a Digital Comic Creator (It's Me) to Facilitate Social Skills Training for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Design Research Approach.

BackgroundChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face difficulties in social situations and are often lagging in terms of social skills. Many interventions designed for children with ASD emphasize improving social skills. Although many interventions demonstrate that targeted social skills can be improved in clinical settings, developed social skills are not necessarily applied in children's daily lives at school, sometimes because classmates continue to show negative bias toward children with ASD. Children with ASD do not blame the difficult social situations they encounter on their lack of social skills; their main goal is to be accepted by peers.ObjectiveThis study aims to design a comic creator—It's me—that would create comics to serve as transformational boundary objects to facilitate and enact a horizontal interaction structure between high-functioning children with ASD and their peers, aiming to increase mutual understanding between children at school.MethodsThis research project and this study are structured around the Design Research Framework in order to develop the comic through an iterative-incremental process. Three test sessions, which included 13, 6, and 47 children, respectively, were initiated where the focus shifted in time from usability during the first two tests to the initial assessment of acceptance and feasibility in the third session. A stakeholder review, which included six experts, took place after the second test session.ResultsA digital comic creator, It's me, was produced within this study. Children can create their own personal comic by filling in a digital questionnaire. Based on concepts of peer support, psychoeducation, and horizontal interaction, It's me has a rigorous base of underlying concepts that have been translated into design. Based on the first test sessions, the comic has shown its potential to initiate personal conversations between children. Teachers are convinced that It's me can be of added value in their classrooms.ConclusionsIt's me aims to initiate more in-depth conversations between peers, which should lead to more mutual understanding and better relationships between children with ASD and their peers. The first test sessions showed that It's me has the potential to enact horizontal interaction and greater understanding among peers. It's me was designed as a boundary object, aiming to connect the objectives of different stakeholders, and to trigger reflection and transformation learning mechanisms. The applied design research approach might be of added value in the acceptance and adoption of the intervention because children, professionals, and teachers see added value in the tool, each from their own perspectives.

Designing recycling networks for construction and demolition waste based on reserve logistics research field

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) has a significant effect on the environment. A well-designed recycling network is a prerequisite of CDW recycling, which is favourable for improving the recycling rate. However, the lack of quantitative tools to measure the characteristics of the construction industry has a serious effect on the effective design of CDW recycling network. Extensive studies on reverse logistics network design over the past decades have provided a solid foundation for recycling network design. Thus, in this study, reverse logistics research is explored to determine possible solutions to the issue of CDW recycling network design. This study aims to provide a model for CDW treatment plants location planning and capacity expansion planning based on the reverse logistics research in the construction industry. In our model, the conflicts between the objectives of different stakeholders and the dynamic decision-making environment in the construction industry were considered. Then, a multi-period multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model was developed to minimize the CDW disposal costs of contractors and to maximize the profits of recycling firms and recycling rate of CDW. Chongqing, China was selected as the case to validate the proposed model and derive managerial insights. Results show our model provides an efficient tool for CDW recycling network design.

Application of CE principles in design of an integrated participative management system to support for urban freight distribution planning: MISPPUFD model

One of the major obstacles for cities to achieve sustainability is the problems related to urban freight transport. Freight transport operations in urban areas are usually carried out by private companies (freight operators and carriers), using public infrastructure, governed by regulations and implemented and monitored by public authorities. In most cases, because there is no prior consultation with the other stakeholders involved in freight transportation, the negative impacts generated from the urban freight distribution are compromised by the implementation of these actions. There is a lack in the literature a decision support system an appropriate that be able to potentialize the involvement between public and private sector of urban freight. This paper look for new ways of responding to these questions. In this context, the objective of this work is to present a methodology based on the application of Concurrent Engineering (CE) principles in design of an Integrated Participative Planning Management System to Support for Urban Freight Distribution (MISPPUFD) - be able to influence and promote behavioral / engagement change to a requirement for greater interaction between policy makers and stakeholders in support of the group decision-making process with regards to urban freight distribution issues. This suggests the importance of a system that promotes interaction and dialogue - through public consultation to better understand the issues and objectives of different stakeholders in the cargo sector, including academic experts and citizens in that partnership. This approach should result in helping policy makers and stakeholders to deal with different complex objectives and decisions and guide the process of participation

A stakeholder-based methodology to enhance the success of urban freight transport measures in a multi-level governance context

Urban freight transport (UFT) is fundamental to the liveability of our cities, but it also contributes to the unsustainability of the same cities. Local authorities are primarily responsible for governing urban areas and implement different measures to regulate UFT. Measures often fail as they do not reach their intended goal and sometimes even produce adverse effects. One of the primary causes is that prior to implementation, the different stakeholders affecting and being affected by the UFT are not sufficiently involved. In this study, the multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) is applied ex-ante to evaluate to what extent different measures contribute to the objectives of different stakeholders. A municipality in Belgium, experiencing a lot of traffic, is used as a case study. Regulating UFT is in this case further complicated due to multi-level governance with different jurisdictions over infrastructure. To our knowledge, there are no similar UFT studies in a multi-level governance context. Results show that all proposed measures are an improvement for all stakeholders compared to the current situation. Future implementation of measures in this context is discussed.

Integrated group fuzzy multi-criteria model: Case of facilities management strategy selection

Managerial decisions should be made by taking into account the priorities and objectives of different stakeholders' groups. Their preferences are usually expressed in words and are fuzzy concepts. This article analyses the peculiarities of companies’ work and decision - making within a fuzzy market situation. It also presents a developed fuzzy multi-criteria group decision-making model for practical problem solving by taking into account cost-effective management. This case study presents a selection of rational criteria set to use in the weighted cost-effectiveness analysis for facilities management strategies, in which integrated fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods are applied. The main findings are: the model is adopted to real- life; the main criteria groups are identified by a three-step Delphi technique; a rational strategy is determined and integrated in one model by the concept of Minkowski distance and fuzzy TOPSIS method, ARAS-F and fuzzy weighted product method. The proposed model is versatile and therefore can be applied for various problems were the experts’ knowledge needed for decision–making.

A multiple perspective modeling and simulation approach for renewable energy policy evaluation

Environmental issues and dependence on fossil fuel sources including coal, oil, and natural gas, are the two most prevalent energy issues that are currently faced by the United States. Incorporation of renewable energy sources, a non-economical option in electricity generation compared to conventional sources that burn fossil fuels, promises a viable solution for both of these issues single-handedly. Several energy policies have concordantly been suggested to reduce the financial burden of adopting renewable energy technologies and make such technologies competitive with conventional sources throughout the US. In this work, we present a novel simulation framework to help policymakers assess and evaluate policies from different perspectives of its stakeholders. The proposed framework is composed of four modules: (1) a database which collates the economic, operational, and environmental data; (2) elucidation of policy which devises the policy for the simulation model; (3) a preliminary analysis which makes predictions for consumption, supply, and prices; and (4) a simulation model. After the validity of the proposed framework is demonstrated, a series of planned Florida renewable energy policies are implemented into our framework as a case study. The results obtained from the simulation and conclusions drawn on the assessment of current energy policies are presented with respect to the conflicting objectives of different stakeholders.

THE CONCEPT OF THE VALUE IN THE VALUE MEASURING SYSTEMS

One of the most prominent of the century business environment is characterized by its ever growing, technological progress and innovation-based competition, unclear boundaries of organizations, unmanageable flow of information. In this context, the objectives of different stakeholders and their value conflicts form the managerial category, the level of complexity implies a different understanding of the value and form a multi-dimensional approach to the phenomenon of value. Therefore, the concept of generalized value would systematically identify and measure the value of the components of the different interest groups to align goals and expectations, and to ensure the value of corporate management level. Therefore, the value and its measurement is a very important and pressing economic problem. The main result of this study is the concept of the value in the value measurement systems. This result is based on the analysis of different theories, which directly and indirectly could influence value measurement systems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.em.18.4.5722

An individual‐level perspective for assessing nascent venturing outcomes

PurposeEntrepreneurship scholars have become more demanding concerning detailed investigations of nascent venturing processes. The purpose of this paper is to propose indicators measuring the impact that these processes in general, and support actions in particular, have on individuals.Design/methodology/approachExisting theories that could be used to analyze the impact of nascent venture experiences on individuals are reviewed. Literature and official statements regarding the underlying objectives of different stakeholders in company creation in France are then presented. Following this, performance indicators used by researchers and French support networks are discussed in relation to these objectives.FindingsIt is shown that indicators that could provide information regarding the potential effects of startup processes on individuals exist but remain to be used with nascent entrepreneurs. A proposal as to how these indicators might be adapted to the specific needs of nascent entrepreneurship research is made.Research limitations/implicationsThe indicators proposed here are identified in a review of the literature, in which studies are primarily undertaken on student samples. Their practical adaptation to populations of nascent entrepreneurs remains to be implemented.Practical implicationsThe suggested indicators should be of use to professional support actors who constantly look to improve their service to nascent entrepreneurs. They should also provide valuable information to the individuals considering or involved in startups on how to use support more efficiently, to policy makers for assessing the impact of specific support efforts and to academics designing entrepreneurship programmes.Originality/valueThe paper proposes readily applicable indicators for nascent entrepreneurship outcomes by drawing on a variety of research streams and linking them to practical information.

A multi‐objective optimization approach for assessment of technical, commercial and environmental performance of microgrids

AbstractThis paper proposes a multi‐objective optimization model to evaluate potential economic, technical and environmental benefits of Microgrid operation. Internalization of external costs such as induced by energy losses (network related) and CO2 emissions (environmentally related) is performed to address the interests of different agents within a single optimization framework. After presenting four reference operation strategies, a multi‐layered scheduling algorithm based on genetic algorithm and linear/quadratic programming is introduced in detail. The algorithm is applied to a UK urban test grid with four different levels of penetration of distributed energy resources. The simulation results lead to the recommendation of a combined dispatch strategy that can simultaneously satisfy all constraints and provide a proper compromise for conflicting objectives of different stakeholders involved in energy supply chain. In particular, a Pareto front representation of the optimization results is also given to further illustrate the multi‐objective nature of the problem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A method for examining the spatial dimension of multi-criteria weight sensitivity

There is growing interest in extending GIS to support pluralistic decision-making processes where the perspectives and objectives of different stakeholders must be represented and, if possible, distilled into strategies that satisfy all decision participants. Augmenting GIS capabilities with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods allows the relative attractiveness of different alternatives (e.g. sites, land-use plans, etc.) to be evaluated in light of subjectively weighted decision criteria. This paper presents a generic methodology for investigating the spatial dimension of multi-criteria weight sensitivity. The methodology is particularly well suited to the spatial domain, as it provides insight into both the robustness of individual stakeholder's evaluations as well as the geographic dimension of weight sensitivity. The methodology is illustrated using a study in which a small group of individuals representing different interests evaluated sites for new tourism development on the island of Grand Cayman, BWI. The results demonstrate how the proposed approach can aid users' understanding of a decision issue and potentially increase confidence in evaluation outputs by providing users with mechanisms to define non-statistical confidence intervals for weights and to visualize weight sensitivity cartographically. The paper concludes by discussing the broader value of this approach in other GIS-MCDM contexts and outlines areas for further research.

Toward Adaptive Management: The Impacts of Different Management Strategies on Fish Stocks and Fisheries in a Large Regulated Lake

We applied the adaptive management approach to analyze the demand and feasibility of adaptive management of fish stocks in a large regulated lake, Oulujärvi, in northern Finland. The process consisted of four phases: (1) analysis of the current state of the fisheries system (fishers, related markets and industry, fisheries researches and authorities, related organizations, etc.); (2) analysis of the objectives of different stakeholders; (3) the composition of alternative management strategies and assessment of their impacts; and (4) recommendations for future management. We used catch statistics from the period 1973-1995 to analyze fish stocks and fishing. Fish species involved were brown trout (Salmo trutta L.), whitefish [Coregonus lavaretus (L.) sl.], vendace (Coregonus albula L.); and pikeperch (Stizostedion lucioperca L.). Questionnaires and interviews were applied to ascertain the opinions of different groups of fishermen. Several models and cost-benefit analysis were used to assess the ecological, economic, and social impacts of three alternative management strategies. The results emphasize that when determining stocking levels and fishing regulations, the system should be considered as a whole, and impacts on major fish species and different groups of fishermen should be assessed. The stocking policy and fishing regulations should also be flexible to accommodate changing biotic and societal conditions. The key questions in applying the adaptive management process in Oulujärvi fisheries are how to determine clear objectives for fisheries management, find a fisheries management structure that provides workable interactions between different stakeholders, and arrange cost-effective monitoring. The lessons learned from the Oulujärvi experience and recommendations for fisheries management are relevant to other lakes with conflicting objectives of different stakeholders.

From conceptual modelling to requirements engineering

Conceptual modelling is situated in the broader view of information systems requirements engineering. Requirements Engineering (RE) explores the objectives of different stakeholders and the activities carried out by them to meet these objectives in order to derive purposeful system requirements and therefore lead to better quality systems, i.e., systems that meet the requirements of their users. Thus RE product models use concepts for modelling these instead of concepts like data, process, events, etc., used in conceptual models. Since the former are more stable than the latter, requirements engineering manages change better. The paper gives the rationale for extending traditional conceptual models and introduces some RE product models. Furthermore, in contrast to conceptual modelling, requirements engineering lays great stress on the engineering process employed. The paper introduces some RE process models and considers their effect on tool support.