Project Budget Research Articles

Review on assessing climate-change-induced risks to run-of-river hydropower infrastructure in Nepal

Abstract. Nepal annually invests millions of dollars in hydropower development, with a substantial portion of these funds allocated to civil infrastructure. Climate change, which impacts geological and hydrological conditions, poses a threat to civil components throughout hydropower project construction and operation. This causes budget overruns, project delays, and adverse consequences for society and the environment, ultimately resulting in multimillion-dollar losses. The identification of risk factors and their underlying causes, stemming from the impacts of climate change, constitutes a fundamental aspect of this study. This critical analysis primarily draws upon extensive literature reviews to pinpoint these factors (risk factors arising from climate change), emphasizing their economic and human impacts. This paper highlights the risks to run-of-river hydropower infrastructures in Nepal. The findings of the study can be used to develop and implement adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks posed by climate change to Nepal's vital hydropower sector.

Louveira Digital City

The Louveira Digital City is a municipal information network designed to promote digital appications development, offering e-government services in areas such as health, education, social assistance, safety, and public works. The project began as an academic initiative focused on Louveira's Information Highway, which was presented to the City Council in August 2010. It outlines the key components of the information highway, including the optical backbone architecture, feasibility study, radio link specifications, logical network design, equipment specifications, and project budget. This digital infrastructure enables all residents to access various communication services and applications, such as data, video, and voice traffic. The network is comprised of radio and fiber optic links, designed to benefit various areas of public administration, including health, safety, education, and planning. Additionally, it aims to enhance public access to information, culture, education, and leisure, laying the groundwork for a smart city. This project showcases the implementation of the information highway in Louveira, highlighting how academic institutions can contribute to the economic, social, and technological development of society and serving as a model for similar initiatives.

Assessing Project Resilience Through Reference Class Forecasting and Radial Basis Function Neural Network

A project needs to be able to anticipate potential threats, respond effectively to adverse events, and adapt to environmental changes. This overall capability is known as project resilience. In order to make efficient project decisions when the project is subjected to disruption, such as adjusting the project budget, reformulating the work plan, and rationalizing the allocation of resources, it is necessary to quantitatively understand the level of project resilience. Therefore, this paper develops a novel approach for forecasting project performance, illustrating the changes in performance levels during the disruption and recovery phases of a project and thus quantitatively assessing project resilience. While there are several methods for assessing project resilience in existing research, the majority of assessment approaches originate from within projects and are highly subjective, which makes it difficult to objectively reflect the level of project resilience. Moreover, the availability of project samples is limited, which makes it difficult to forecast the level of project performance. In view of the fact that the Reference Class Forecasting (RCF) technique avoids subjectivity and the Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network is known to be better at forecasting small sample datasets, this paper therefore combines the RCF technique and the RBF neural network to construct a model that forecasts the project performance of the current project after experiencing a disruption, further assessing the level of the project resilience. Specifically, this paper first presents a conceptual model of project resilience assessment; subsequently, an RBF neural network model that takes into account project budget, duration, risk level of disruption, and performance before disruption based on the RCF technique is developed to forecast project performance after experiencing disruption; and finally, the level of project resilience is assessed through calculating the ratio of recovery to loss of project performance. The model is trained and validated using 64 completed construction projects with disruptions as the datasets. The results show that the average relative errors between the forecast results of schedule performance index (SPI) and the real values are less than 5%, and the R2 of the training set and the testing set is 0.991 and 0.964, respectively, and the discrepancy between the forecasted and real values of project resilience is less than 10%. These illustrate that the model performs well and is feasible for quantifying the level of project resilience, clarifying its impact on project disruption and recovery situations, and facilitating the decision-makers of the project to make reasonable decisions.

How to monitor local objectives for urban climate change adaptation? Insights from quantitative content analysis of selected participatory budgets in the upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis

Subsequent analyses of participatory budgeting in Poland emphasise the popularity of environmental issues such as greenery, air quality, and sustainable transport, which should also support objectives in urban climate change adaptation (UCCA). An increasing number of adaptation projects within local standards or ‘green’ civic budgets are often listed among the indicators in urban adaptation plans for Polish cities. However, available research studies and urban evaluation reports show that monitoring participatory budgets poses a methodological challenge. Therefore, the aim of the article is twofold. First, it proposes a method of identifying overlaps of urban climate change adaptation objectives with descriptions of projects submitted to local participatory budgets of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. For this purpose, a dictionary-based text analysis of project descriptions was performed and critically examined. The second aim was to identify trends in urban climate change adaptation objectives. Thus, the quantitative distribution of coded descriptions was evaluated to investigate how subsequent types of participatory budgets (editions, green vs. standard, implemented vs. non-implemented) differed. The results demonstrate that the available database of participatory budget projects is a rich source of information on local preferences towards issues related to UCCA. To strengthen the objectives of urban climate change adaptation, city administrations can consider additional tools, such as UCCA-related tips/inspiration and targeted calls for projects, as well as supplementing participatory budgets with other deliberative methods. However, collecting precise and calculable data on this topic based on participatory budget databases requires both methodological adjustments and careful validation.

Development and application of ex-ante performance evaluation framework for health projects in China

China National Health Commission issued an implementation plan for budget performance management in health projects in April 2021, which emphasizes all health projects must be evaluated in advance prior to implementation. The study aims to develop an ex-ante performance evaluation framework for health projects and formulate a self-assessment report template. The study also attempts to gain insights into the ex-ante performance of health projects in China, identify issues and explore the factors that influence the ex-ante performance of health projects and make suggestions about improvement strategies. The framework was established by using a framework development methodology. To develop the framework, the findings from existing research were pooled and organized to create indicators and key points. The preliminary ex-ante performance evaluation framework was refined, validated and tested by the experts. Weight analysis was conducted by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Then the indicator system has been transformed into a project ex-ante performance self-assessment report template. Samples of 698 municipal health projects in China from 2021 to 2022 were analyzed. We invited experts to complete the scoring task by using our ex-ante performance evaluation framework. The ex-ante performance evaluation framework primarily examines five aspects, the necessity of the project, economy of input, rationality of performance indicators, feasibility of implementation plans, and compliance of financing. The overall ex-ante performance evaluation score for the sample projects was (91.19 ± 8.02). The sub-scores for necessity of project were (14.74 ± 1.85), economy of input was (34.45 ± 2.43), reasonableness of performance indicators was (8.27 ± 2.28), feasibility of implementation plan was (23.99 ± 3.84), and compliance of financing was (9.75 ± 1.47). Factors such as whether it was an epidemic prevention and control project, the project budget, project content, project objective, and project implementation organization were all influencing the ex-ante performance of health projects (P < 0.05). We have developed a ex-ante performance evaluation framework for health projects and established a project ex-ante performance self-assessment report template. They can offer a sufficient reference for project process management. Project implementation organization should elevate the awareness and proficiency of project managers regarding budget performance management. Government should improve the ability of ex-ante performance evaluation, and eliminate ineffective projects through ex-ante performance evaluation.

Risk assessment through feature, event, and process for repurposing suspended oil and gas wells for geothermal purposes

Many countries have set the goal of net zero carbon emission and are diverting their energy source towards renewables. In that respect, geothermal energy is a continuous renewable energy source that is not affected by any metrological conditions. However, geothermal energy is not used to its full potential, and at present, less than 1 % of renewable energy is produced by geothermal sources. One of the biggest reasons that hinder its adoption is the cost of drilling and completion associated with the geothermal well, which almost takes 50 % of the project budget. Therefore, it is important that, where possible (with conducive geothermal conditions), conventional oil and gas wells that are old or temporarily suspended should be retrofitted into geothermal wells. In this way, the initial cost of the geothermal project can be reduced, which is mainly due to the drilling operations. However, before repurposing old retired wells, conducting a proper risk assessment is important to avoid any well integrity issues in the long run. Therefore, this paper presents a concept of accessing the risk using Feature, Event, and Process (FEP) that have been integrated with the interaction matrix, incident potential matrix (IPM), and cause-effect plot diagram. This risk assessment technique identifies the well components that might be susceptible to failure, and remedial work should be conducted on such elements. However, geothermal wells have no specific FEPs; hence, the FEPs from CCS wells have been used, which have their limitation when used for geothermal systems. Nonetheless, to show the feasibility of this approach in assessing the risk, two case studies of the fictitious tubingless geothermal well are presented in this paper.

Strategies used for knowledge dissemination and outreach in a renewable energy project

This work describes the actions carried out by participants of the Mexican Center for Innovation in Ocean Energy project (CEMIE-Océano) to disseminate their advances and results, to the general public and to the scientific community. The project was set up to assess the energy potential in Mexican coastal areas related to waves, tides and currents, and salinity and thermal gradients, and also to investigate their expected environmental and social impacts. The main actions by the CEMIE-Océano dissemination, outreach and press area, 2017 - 2023, were the design, construction and administration of the project website, the regular publication of activities and major achievements on social media via Facebook and Twitter, and the editing of 28 scientific books and nine editions of a biannual newsletter. Eight work meetings, three conferences and a range of science dissemination seminars were also organized. With the strategies presented in this work, for a value close to 3% of the total project budget, the participation of all the collaborators was achieved. In addition, the CEMIE-Océano project is widely recognised within the community of scientists from Mexico and Latin America, and others interested in renewable energies and energy transition issues. Keywords: CEMIE-Oceano project, ocean energy, dissemination, outreach.

Optimizing Road Pavement Projects Through Earned Value Concepts

Every construction project faces constraints of cost, schedule, and quality that must be managed to achieve the desired objectives. This research aims to control the aspects of time and cost in construction projects by applying the Earned Value Concept and Crash Program methods. The subject of the study is the Preservation of Roads and Bridges project in Bireuen City - BTS, Lhokseumawe/Aceh Utara, Krueng Mane Buket Rata, SP. Krueng Geukeueh - PEL. Krueng Geukeueh (PEL. Lhokseumawe). The data analyzed includes the Budget Plan (RAB), project schedule, and reports on planned and actual work. This data is processed into three main indicators: BCWS, BCWP, and ACWP, which are then analyzed through Schedule Variance (SV), Cost Variance (CV), Schedule Performance Index (SPI), and Cost Performance Index (CPI). The analysis results show that during weeks 22 to 23, the project had a positive Schedule Variance (SV) (0), which then turned negative during weeks 24 to 28, with an average Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 1.0096, indicating that project execution was ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the Cost Variance (CV) was positive throughout the project, and the average Cost Performance Index (CPI) was 1.2118, indicating that actual costs did not exceed the budget. The application of the Crash Program method resulted in changes in heavy equipment rental costs and worker wages, from IDR 1,440,469,946.99 over 50 days to IDR 1,853,072,988.06 over 25 days, with a cost increase of IDR 412,603,041.07 and an acceleration ratio of 1.29. This research demonstrates that the Earned Value Concept and Crash Program methods are effective in controlling time and cost in construction projects, thereby helping to achieve better efficiency in project management.

IoT—A Promising Solution to Energy Management in Smart Buildings: A Systematic Review, Applications, Barriers, and Future Scope

The use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology is crucial for improving energy efficiency in smart buildings, which could minimize global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. IoT applications use numerous sensors to integrate diverse building systems, facilitating intelligent operations, real-time monitoring, and data-informed decision-making. This critical analysis of the features and adoption frameworks of IoT in smart buildings carefully investigates various applications that enhance energy management, operational efficiency, and occupant comfort. Research indicates that IoT technology may decrease energy consumption by as much as 30% and operating expenses by 20%. This paper provides a comprehensive review of significant obstacles to the use of IoT in smart buildings, including substantial initial expenditures (averaging 15% of project budgets), data security issues, and the complexity of system integration. Recommendations are offered to tackle these difficulties, emphasizing the need for established processes and improved coordination across stakeholders. The insights provided seek to influence future research initiatives and direct the academic community in construction engineering and management about the appropriate use of IoT technology in smart buildings. This study is a significant resource for academics and practitioners aiming to enhance the development and implementation of IoT solutions in the construction sector.

Implications of The Increase In The Government's Project Budget Ceiling For Construction Managerial In Small Qualified Contractors

The government has issued LKPP regulation No. 11 of 2021 which states that small qualification contractors may handle projects up to 15 billion, which before this regulation came out small contractors could only handle projects with a maximum value of 2,5 billion. The government hopes positively for this restriction, because the gap between large and small construction companies is quite high. In order to compete for large project values, small contractors must be able to reorganize the four managerial stages of construction project implementation, namely Planning, Organizing, Actuating, and Controlling (POAC). For this reason, a study was conducted that aims to analyze the implications of increasing the budget ceiling of government projects on the construction managerial of small qualification contractors. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method by analyzing changes in construction project managerial at each stage of construction project managerial through an in-depth interview process directly with small contractors who handle construction projects worth 5 to 15 billion in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 in the Padang City government. The result of this research is that there are changes in the managerial constructors at the planning stage. At the planning stage the contractor organizes the implementation of the project so that the project can be completed within the agreed time, through the use of Man, Money, Material, Market, Machine, and Method (6M) resources. The resources that change during project implementation at the planning stage are human resources (man). With an increase in the project budget ceiling, small qualification contractors increase the number of team personnel, labor, and team competence in mastering certain competencies to support the implementation of construction projects. While the management of 5M (man, money, material, machine, and method) at the organizing, actuating, and controlling stages, small qualification contractors are able to adjust their construction managerial implementation when the project is still worth under 2,5 billion with a project whose value increases to 15 billion.

VEIDEA: A Comprehensive Framework for Implementing Building Information Modeling-Based Value Engineering Within a Common Data Environment in Construction Projects

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry faces significant global challenges, including frequent project delays, budget overruns, and inadequate stakeholder collaboration. To address these issues, Value Engineering (VE) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) have been increasingly used in large-scale, complex construction projects. Although many studies highlight the benefits of integrating VE with BIM, its full practical potential has not yet been realized. This study aims to investigate the integration of VE and BIM within a Common Data Environment (CDE) to improve decision making and project outcomes. A comprehensive framework was developed, consisting of four interconnected modules: (1) Creating the CDE, (2) Developing the BIM Model, (3) Implementing Value Engineering, and (4) Conducting a Value Engineering Study. Central to this framework is the introduction of the VEIDEA” data bank, a structured system based on the OmniClass classification, which stores and organizes VE ideas. Additionally, the framework incorporates the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to automate the evaluation phase, assisting designers and VE teams in making data-driven decisions on design alternatives. Empirical results from a case study of an office building show significant cost savings, with a 20% reduction in reinforced concrete (RC) slab costs and a 39% reduction in flooring material costs. These findings demonstrate the potential for integrating VE and BIM to enhance cost-effectiveness and overall project performance. This study offers a novel approach to optimizing project collaboration, decision making, and efficiency in the AEC industry.

Schedule Acceleration Planning in Construction Project (Case Study: Japek II Selatan Tollroad)

This study focuses on the remaining work at stations (STA) 53+950 to 54+550 in Jakarta – CikampekII Selatan Toll Road Package III project to find the critical path, completion durations, and projectcosts before and after acceleration. The CPM Technique was used to compile network planningdiagrams, determine the critical path and project duration. Crashing Project was applied to crashschedule through the total project duration and cost whose changes due to the implementation of thecrashing method. The critical path was found in mobilization, tree felling, clearing, dig and haul,borrow material, subgrade preparation, base course (A grade), subbase course (B grade), drainagelayer, lean concrete (t=10 cm), concrete pavement, concrete barrier type B, and signage. In the CPM,the duration of project completion is 214 days. The total project budget under normal circumstancesis Rp22.073.412.654. After accelerating with the Crashing Project by proposed overtime was obtainedthe reduced total cost of Rp32.004.882 from the total normal cost of Rp22.073.412.654 toRp22.041.407.771 with an optimum duration of 183 days

How to optimize government R&amp;D budget allocation? A review of recent studies and research gaps

Purpose Research and Development (R&amp;D) activities are important for technological innovation and present opportunities for entrepreneurship. These activities depend on the flow of funding. This paper aims to review approaches used in R&amp;D project selection and budget allocation. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts a systematic review, examining the content of 60 relevant papers (spanning 2000–2022) concerning public R&amp;D budget allocation. The analysis focuses on allocation methodology, R&amp;D output evaluation, budget allocation efficiency and the management of uncertainty in the allocation process. Findings The systematic review reveals different methods proposed for allocating government R&amp;D budgets. These methods range from classical optimization, multi-criteria analysis and hierarchical analysis to techniques such as balanced scorecard, data envelopment analysis and analytic hierarchy process, including fuzzy approaches. Recent trends indicate an increase in the use of advanced optimization, integration and simulation algorithms. Performance indicators for reflecting R&amp;D project outputs or goals can be categorized into four main groups: output (e.g. publications, patents, graduates), outcome, productivity (e.g. citations, patent references, articles and patents per capita) and sector-specific metrics. Practical implications Future research directions in government R&amp;D budget allocation may include optimizing allocation to maximize social, economic and political benefits, developing ranking models, decision-making frameworks, simulations and evaluations of factors influencing allocation type and strategy. Additionally, there is a growing interest in novel budget allocation algorithms leveraging artificial intelligence and self-adjusting meta-heuristic algorithms. Originality/value The systematic review showed that some important research gaps in (government) R&amp;D budget allocation could be considered in future studies; for example, long-term social, economic and political benefits in budget allocation optimization models, comprehensiveness of allocating government R&amp;D budgets to universities, higher education and research institutes, R&amp;D budget allocation to strategic technology development, e.g. renewable energy sector, supply chain issues and renewable energy value chain; new budget allocation algorithms based on artificial intelligence and self-adjusting meta-heuristic algorithms; methods for optimizing the structures of government budget allocation to R&amp;D, considering executive and regulatory conflicts.

Material Cost Fluctuations: Analyzing the Effects of Market Volatility on Civil Project Budgets

Material Cost Fluctuations: Analyzing the Effects of Market Volatility on Civil Project Budgets

Time Management with Quality Control in Construction Projects by Critical Chain Project Management

The construction industry consistently grapples with challenges related to project delays, budget overruns and quality control, particularly in the residential sector. Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) emerges as a promising approach to address these issues by integrating resources availability with project scheduling. This literature review explores the application of CCPM in residential construction, highlighting its effectiveness in improving time management and project out comes. By analysing existing research, case studies and practical examples the findings demonstrate that implementing CCPM can lead to significant reductions in project duration and enhancements in resource utilization. The review aims to provide insights into the unexplored areas of CCPM in scheduling, ultimately emphasizing its potential to transform time management practices in the construction industry.

BIM IMPLEMENTATION FOR HERITAGE RENOVATION THROUGHOUT PROJECT LIFECYCLE: CURRENT USE, BENEFITS, AND BARRIERS

Introduction: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has garnered significant attention due to advancements in sophisticated technologies and methods. However, a comprehensive review of the existing literature indicates a lack of research exploring the application of BIM in managing the entire intervention design and renovation processes from a broader system perspective. The purpose of the study was to fill this gap by identifying and evaluating the current utilization, benefits, and barriers associated with implementing BIM in the lifecycle of renovation projects. The study methodology is based on conducting 31 structured interviews with experienced professionals who have employed BIM in their project deliveries. The results reveal that the primary benefits of BIM adoption, in descending order of importance, pertain to improved collective understanding of design intent, lower risk and better predictability of outcomes, better-designed and performing buildings, more accurate project documentation, and increased accuracy of the cost estimate. However, there are several prominent barriers: project budget, complexity of modeling historic structures, cost to hire BIM professionals, and the lack of BIM knowledge. The findings will advance BIM adoption for heritage renovation and enable project stakeholders to focus on realizing the benefits and potential uses of lifecycle BIM, while also addressing the critical challenges discussed in this study.

Digital Project Management and Budgeting System

Digital Project Management and Budgeting System

Development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects

This review delves into the development and implementation of cost control strategies in oil and gas engineering projects, an area critical for maintaining project viability and profitability amidst fluctuating market conditions. Effective cost control is essential in the oil and gas sector, where projects are often capital-intensive and subject to economic and operational uncertainties. This review examines various cost control methodologies and their application throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning and budgeting to execution and closure. The paper highlights key cost control strategies, including detailed project cost estimation, budget forecasting, and variance analysis. It discusses the use of advanced project management tools and technologies, such as software for real-time cost tracking and predictive analytics, which enhance decision-making and financial oversight. The review also covers the importance of risk management practices in identifying and mitigating potential cost overruns, emphasizing the role of contingency planning and risk assessment in maintaining financial control. Case studies demonstrate how successful implementation of these strategies can lead to significant cost savings, improved project efficiency, and enhanced financial performance. The challenges associated with cost control, including dealing with unexpected price fluctuations, scope changes, and regulatory compliance issues, are also addressed. Solutions to these challenges, such as adopting flexible budgeting techniques and leveraging data-driven insights, are discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for refining cost control practices in oil and gas engineering projects, including the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of cost control measures, integrating cost management with overall project strategy, and fostering collaboration among project stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability.

Nothing about us without us: Sharing results with communities that provide genomic data

Sharing genetic and other study results with the communities who participate in research falls under benefit-sharing and capacity-building initiatives that underpin a more equitable biomedical research relationship. Yet, which results to return and how remain fundamental challenges that persist in the absence of practical guidance and institutional policies. Here, we discuss how the return of results can be implemented across different geographies, study designs, and project budgets.

A game of snakes and ladders: the world of complex health and social care data linkage

Objective and ApproachResearch on social care services requires large, comprehensive, routine datasets. Launched in November 2019, Developing resources And minimum data set for Care Homes’ Adoption (DACHA) study aims to develop a prototype minimum dataset as proof of concept and to propose implementation. We describe our experience since 2021 of identifying, applying for, and linking care home, local, integrated care system (ICS) and national datasets, including direct-care software-provider data, GP and NHS England (NHSE) datasets. ResultsOur key challenges: Risk aversion and fragmented information governance within and between organisations. Complex information governance structures must be understood before participants are recruited. Shifts in the data landscape: data ownership moved from clinical commissioning groups to ICSs; NHSE merged with NHS Digital. Research funding: research is required of ICSs, but it is not a system priority, so processes and funding aren’t in place, and research burdens an already strained system. Our key lessons: Formalising agreements early on and obtaining, and maintaining, senior, committed buy-in. Studies should value the data sharing process through the inclusion of data controllers and information governance staff in the system in research project budgets. The facilitation of GP and social care data collection nationally must be balanced with its administrative burden. ImplicationsThe DACHA study overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic and could only engage a limited number (n=3) of ICSs within project resources. Nevertheless, the complexity of the system and the plurality of actors delay or even block legitimate research interests.