Project Development Phase Research Articles

Integrating Fairness in Machine Learning Development Life Cycle: Fair CRISP-DM

ABSTRACT: Developing efficient processes for building machine learning (ML) applications is an emerging topic for research. One of the well-known frameworks for organizing, developing, and deploying predictive machine learning models is cross-industry standard for data mining (CRISP-DM). However, the framework does not provide any guidelines for detecting and mitigating different types of fairness-related biases in the development of ML applications. The study of these biases is a relatively recent stream of research. To address this significant theoretical and practical gap, we propose a new framework—Fair CRISP-DM, which groups and maps these biases corresponding to each phase of an ML application development. Through this study, we contribute to the literature on ML development and fairness. We present recommendations to ML researchers on including fairness as part of the ML evaluation process. Further, ML practitioners can use our framework to identify and mitigate fairness-related biases in each phase of an ML project development. Finally, we also discuss emerging technologies which can help developers to detect and mitigate biases in different stages of ML application development.

HOUSING TRANSFORMATION PROCESS IN GOVERNMENT PROVIDED REHABILITATION PROJECT: A STUDY OF BHANDARPARA ASHRAYAN PROKOLPO

Housing transformation is a commonly practiced phenomenon, especially in government-provided housing all over the world. In Bangladesh as well, the government-provided rehabilitation housing, like Ashrayan projects, experiences transformation of physical elements according to the dwellers’ needs. This physical transformation of housing indicates an existing gap between the housing provision process and users’ needs. These transformations also reflect many unidentified indicators like traditional dwelling patterns, building materials, flexibility, livelihood options, and accommodation of the dwellers’ next generation, etc. that could be helpful to meet the noble vision of Ashrayan projects. A critical understanding of the housing transformation process will help to formulate a more user-centric rehabilitation approach. The aim of this study is to investigate the process of housing transformation and identify decisive indicators causing the transformation in the development and construction phases of government-provided rehabilitation projects. The rehabilitation project of Bhandarpara Ashrayan, in Khulna, a southern district of Bangladesh, was chosen as the case of this study. The project accommodates 260 households in 26 barracks. Among the population, 33 households were chosen as samples for morphological analysis using qualitative techniques. The finding implies that users gradually altered the government-provided housing units. Direct labor, locally available materials, and a self-help approach without the need for building designs or authorizations were well-used indicators in the housing transformation process.

Effect of transparency on the development phase of public-private partnership: Analysis of highway projects

The impact of transparency on large Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects has been a topic of interest for scholars and policymakers. However, empirical evidence of its impact has been limited. Governments from more than 100 countries across the globe have enacted transparency laws in the recent past. The development phase of PPP projects is critical for the success of the subsequent two phases- construction and operation. The objective of this study was to determine the influencing characteristics of projects and the environment in which they operate, as well as the impact of transparency laws on the duration of the development phase. Regression analysis using data of 469 PPP highway projects implemented in India revealed that concession period, length of the road, nodal authority implementing the project, duration of the construction phase, and road density in the region significantly impact the duration of the development phase. Mean comparison and regression analysis showed that the projects implemented after the enactment of the transparency law had a longer development phase. However, the projects with a longer development phase had a shorter construction phase. Understanding the factors affecting the duration of the development phase will help the nodal authority and the concessionaire to develop strategies to complete the project in a reasonably time-bound manner.

Observations from Ground Improvement Using Vacuum Consolidation Method

In the modern world of Civil Engineering, challenges arise during the various phases of construction, starting from the project development phase to the completion of the project. One of the main factors to be considered before commencing any infrastructure project is the foundation of where it is to be built. Without a strong foundation, it's not possible to proceed further to subsequent stages and in some cases, significant improvements may be required before starting the construction process. Although there are several different available methods for soil improvement in Civil Engineering, preloading using vacuum pressure with prefabricated vertical drains (Vacuum Consolidation Method) is one of the commonly applied techniques. Nowadays, it is widely used in countries having soft soil settlement problems. This paper presents the observations made from a soil improvement project using VCM including the site conditions and methodologies adopted during the process. The field data related to parameters such as pore pressure, settlement and shear strength improvement in natural soft clay have been presented and discussed. The degree of consolidation in the field has been back-calculated from settlement data and compared with values obtained from the 1-D consolidation equation. Field investigation tests, such as borehole tests and field vane shear tests, were performed before and after the soil improvement and it was found that the soft soil properties can be enhanced using vacuum consolidation without the use of any surcharge loading as well.

Tool for the integration of building performance information within the BIM process

Decision-making regarding building performance in all construction project phases is a complex task. This article addresses the challenge of managing building performance information throughout construction project phases. It proposes a tool that assists in verifying the building performance requirements for different stakeholders and supports the integration of this information within the BIM process. The developed tool allows the launch, monitoring, and creation of a database with information about the project, the work, and the stakeholders. A practical study was chosen to test this tool. Its result is particularly meaningful to all stakeholders, as it prioritizes the information and underlying activities for the collaborative project development among the participants. In summary, the information integration related to the requirements to guarantee the building performance, co-related to the construction project development phases, is essential for improving internal processes. It is worth mentioning that managing this information is not a simple process and requires contextual knowledge, leadership, and management and communication skills.

How to Identify Potentials and Barriers of Raw Materials Recovery from Tailings? Part II: A Practical UNFC-Compliant Approach to Assess Project Sustainability with On-Site Exploration Data

A sustainable raw materials (RMs) recovery from waste requires a comprehensive generation and communication of knowledge on project potentials and barriers. However, a standardised procedure to capture sustainability aspects in early project development phases is currently missing. Thus, studies on different RM sources are not directly comparable. In this article, an approach is presented which guides its user through a practical interpretation of on-site exploration data on tailings compliant with the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC). The development status of the overall project and the recovery of individual RMs are differentiated. To make the assessment results quickly comparable across different studies, they are summarised in a heat-map-like categorisation matrix. In Part I of this study, it is demonstrated with the case study tailings storage facility Bollrich (Germany) how a tailings mining project can be assessed by means of remote screening. In Part II, it is shown how to develop a project from first on-site exploration to a decision whether to intensify costly on-site exploration. It is concluded that with a UNFC-compliant assessment and classification approach, local sustainability aspects can be identified, and a commonly acceptable solution for different stakeholder perspectives can be derived.

Sensitivity of a High-Speed Rail Development on Supply Chain and Logistics via Air-Rail-Road Freight Transportation

The casual effect and synergy of high-speed rail development on the modal transport changes in supply chain and logistics have not been considered well during the initial phase of any rail project design and development. This has impaired the systems integration and connectivity among the modes of transport in a region. In the United Kingdom, High Speed 2, a large-scale railway project with a planned completion date in 2033, affects many transport stakeholders. The project influences the existing transport systems, but the transport systems integration design has not been well depicted, resulting in a pressing concern on systems connectivity and social value. This is evident by many public protests along the planned route of the project. Therefore, it is important to evaluate different aspects for any possible changes in supply chains caused by the development of high-speed rail networks. This paper is the world's first to provide the sensitivity analysis of supply chains via air-rail-road freight transportation and logistics stemming from the High Speed 2 case by the rigorous assessments into the capacity, performance and environmental changes that may follow the project’s implementation. The research proposes a new method for estimation of consequences from a new transport project construction. The research findings demonstrate slight beneficial changes in freight transportation and logistics with a high potential for development; and reveal the project’s weaknesses and opportunities for better systems integration and business synergy.

The utility of evaluation in optimizing implementation and improvement of HIV prevention programming

The objective of this article is to describe Project PrIDE (PrEP Implementation, Data to Care, and Evaluation) through the lens of Evaluation Utilization and provide examples of how twelve funded health departments (HD) utilized evaluation findings to make decisions related to improving PrEP awareness and uptake, and/or enhancing capacity for data to care (D2C) activities. Each HD conducted a local evaluation (LE) and reported ongoing and planned utilization of evaluation findings in the final LE reports. Information from all reports was abstracted for qualitative analysis to identify main evaluation utilization themes. Findings showed that program evaluation was incorporated as early as the project development phase and designed with the goal of improving, and not just demonstrating the efficacy of the programs. Evaluation data were effectively utilized to improve PrEP and D2C activities, for example, by increasing community engagement throughout LEs, enhancing social media implementation, prioritizing the most effective referral sources at re-linking clients into HIV care, reducing client wait time between receiving PrEP referral and obtaining appointment with provider, and incorporating evaluation findings into program planning and development. Project PrIDE highlights the importance of a planned evaluation in providing ongoing improvements to HIV prevention services to better serve priority populations.

Understanding Requirement Analysis Phase

Planning helps one in knowing what one will have to perform to achieve its goals. In software engineering to start with project development, the first phase is all about planning, understanding and blueprinting the thoughts considering every aspect of the project development. It's easy to define things but behind the scene in the requirement phase, different teams play a key role in planning and blueprinting the thought. Understanding the responsibilities of each team is important that will directly coup up the project development phase. Here, we will study practical approaches and roles, responsibilities of each team behind the scene.

The Process Aspect of Project Success

This paper proposes an empirically tested model that explains the significance of project development phases for the project success, and the impact of project people on each phase. The conceptual model includes six inter-related components: project success as the ultimate target, project team, customer, and three process steps: planning, execution, and control. The empirical test was performed in the context of information systems (IS) projects. Usable data were obtained from a survey of 603 IS professionals and were analysed through structural equation modeling, factor analysis, and descriptive analysis. The results provide good empirical support for the proposed theoretical model. They reveal a significant direct relationship between project planning and control components and project success, and the indirect impact of project execution phase on the project success through mediating project control component. Furthermore, results emphasize the importance of the people aspect for successful execution of each of the introduced process steps.

A systematic design approach for objectifying Building with Nature solutions

Hydraulic engineering infrastructure is supposed to keep functioning for many years and is likely to interfere with both the natural and the social environment at various scales. Due to its long life-cycle, hydraulic infrastructure is bound to face changing environmental conditions as well as changes in societal views on acceptable solutions. This implies that sustainability and adaptability are/should be important attributes of the design, the development and operation of hydraulic engineering infrastructure. Sustainability and adaptability are central to the Building with Nature (BwN) approach. Although nature-based design philosophies, such as BwN, have found broad support, a key issue that inhibits a wider mainstream implementation is the lack of a method to objectify BwN concepts. With objectifying, we mean turning the implicit into an explicit engineerable ‘object’, on the one hand, and specifying clear design ‘objectives’, on the other. This paper proposes the “Frame of Reference” approach as a method to systematically transform BwN concepts into functionally specified engineering designs. It aids the rationalisation of BwN concepts and facilitates the transfer of crucial information between project development phases, which benefits the uptake, acceptance and eventually the successful realisation of BwN solutions. It includes an iterative approach that is well suited for assessing status changes of naturally dynamic living building blocks of BwN solutions. The applicability of the approach is shown for a case that has been realised in the Netherlands. Although the example is Dutch, the method, as such, is generically applicable.

Sustainability Assessment for Wastewater Treatment Systems—Case Studies in Egypt

Low sanitation coverage is a significant problem in Egypt, especially in rural areas. The Rapid Sustainability Screening (RSS) model was developed to assess the sustainability of wastewater treatment systems (WWTS), both planned and existing, and support decision-makers in selecting alternatives. The model considers the three fundamental sustainability dimensions, namely, environmental, social, and economic. In the present paper, the model was successfully tested by evaluating the sustainability performance of three operating rural WWTS in Egypt (Constructed Wetland (CW)-BeniSuef, Constructed Wetland (CW)-Dakahlia, and Activated Sludge (AS)-Gharbia). CW-BeniSuef was the most sustainable system based upon environmental and social considerations with values of 2.50 and 2.71, respectively. On the other hand, CW-Dakahlia is the most economically sustainable system, with a value of 2.25. The highest sustainability overall ranking system was CW-BeniSuef with overall sustainability of 2.81, followed by CW-Dakahlia with a value of 2.18, and the least sustainable technology is AS-Gharbia (1.72). The RSS model can support the decision-makers and operators during the different phases of a wastewater treatment project development (e.g., feasibility, operation). The model has been developed in a user-friendly and straightforward manner. The simplicity of the model may encourage the decision-makers and EIA practitioners to expand the assessment to consider sustainability rather than focusing on one or two aspects only (i.e., environment and society) in isolation of the possible interaction between them.

Biomimetic Urban and Architectural Design: Illustrating and Leveraging Relationships between Ecosystem Services.

Redesigning and retrofitting cities so they become complex systems that create ecological and cultural–societal health through the provision of ecosystem services is of critical importance. Although a handful of methodologies and frameworks for considering how to design urban environments so that they provide ecosystem services have been proposed, their use is not widespread. A key barrier to their development has been identified as a lack of ecological knowledge about relationships between ecosystem services, which is then translated into the field of spatial design. In response, this paper examines recently published data concerning synergetic and conflicting relationships between ecosystem services from the field of ecology and then synthesises, translates, and illustrates this information for an architectural and urban design context. The intention of the diagrams created in this research is to enable designers and policy makers to make better decisions about how to effectively increase the provision of various ecosystem services in urban areas without causing unanticipated degradation in others. The results indicate that although targets of ecosystem services can be both spatially and metrically quantifiable while working across different scales, their effectiveness can be increased if relationships between them are considered during design phases of project development.

Increasing the relevance of science for practice and practice for science: Quantitative empirical insights

AbstractWe present results of a survey conducted with researchers and practitioners involved in a Swiss National Research Programme on steering energy consumption. We analyse what motivates practitioners and researchers to engage in a collaborative research project, their perception of the collaboration intensity in different project phases, and the extent to which the research project provided useful results for practitioners. Our analyses demonstrate that the intensity of collaboration is a key driver of successful collaboration as it fosters trust between researchers and practitioners. Thereby, it increases the usefulness of the research project for practitioners and their perceived contribution to the success of the research project. Research programmes should thus (1) foster trust through incentivising collaboration between research and practice; (2) facilitate the development of a shared understanding of researchers’ and practitioners’ respective roles; and (3) support the inclusion of practitioners in the project development phase through financial support during the proposal-writing phase.

Comparison between collective protective systems in Brazil: safety platforms and safety net type V

Safety planning is fundamental for accident prevention in the construction industry. The prevention of the risk of accidents in construction must begin during the project development phase through the principles of safe work. Designing minimizing the risk should always be the goal from the first stages of any conception, including designing components or protection systems for construction. The implementation of collective protective systems (CPS) acting as barriers must be professionally designed, detailed, and executed. This article compares two types of collective protective used in Brazil—secondary platforms and the fall arrest system with safety nets, focusing on the building periphery and mitigating the risk of falling from a height. The research method includes the technical visits in two construction sites and the analysis of two CPS designs. The comparison between collective protection systems identified that the system with safety nets better meets standardization criteria and legislation. The analysis of the designs showed a lack of technical information for the execution of the CPS and that it is necessary to make comparisons for decision-making on the existing collective protection systems. The repetition of this approach in countries that use solutions like Brazil can help avoid falls from height.

Measurement and Verification of Zero Energy Settlements: Lessons Learned from Four Pilot Cases in Europe

Measurement and verification (M&V) has become necessary for ensuring intended design performance. Currently, M&V procedures and calculation methods exist for the assessment of Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) for existing buildings, with a focus on reliable baseline model creation and savings estimation, as well as for reducing the computation time, uncertainties, and M&V costs. There is limited application of rigorous M&V procedures in the design, delivery and operation of low/zero energy dwellings and settlements. In the present paper, M&V for four pilot net-zero energy settlements has been designed and implemented. The M&V has been planned, incorporating guidance from existing protocols, linked to the project development phases, and populated with lessons learned through implementation. The resulting framework demonstrates that M&V is not strictly linked to the operational phase of a project but is rather an integral part of the project management and development. Under this scope, M&V is an integrated, iterative process that is accompanied by quality control in every step. Quality control is a significant component of the M&V, and the proposed quality control procedures can support the preparation and implementation of automated M&V. The proposed framework can be useful to project managers for integrating M&V into the project management and development process and explicitly aligning it with the rest of the design and construction procedures.

Reconciling standards and the operational needs of mining projects in Africa: Examples from Guinea

Impact assessments and action plans are mandatory during the feasibility phases of mining projects, but are too often perceived as simple legal obligations to obtain development permits. However, these steps must be considered as planning tools for the implementation of a mining project over its entire duration. Adapting these performance standards to actual mining contexts and integrating operational requirements into these documents can simultaneously rationalise costs and optimise efficiency while providing genuine tools for project development. This positioning has the virtue of meeting the requirements of both national legislation and international standards as well as the operational requirements of the project, while optimising investments in all the prerequisites of the feasibility phases. Drawing on findings from research on and assessments of the mining sector in Guinea during 2011–2020, we explore the paradoxes that arise from the objectives of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) regulations and the constraints that they generate at each phase of mining project development. Based on our analysis, we suggest ways to use these standards to improve the integration of mining projects in their territories while respecting environmental and social sustainability.

Disaster preparedness for metro projects: a social-cognitive perspective of Pakistan

During the last decade, 2.4 billion individuals, the majority of which were residing in low economic growth countries, became victim of global disasters. As economic growth is correlated with the resilience of a nation against a disaster, therefore developing and underdeveloped nations significantly face higher magnitude of losses. With Pakistan being a developing country, the present study takes into account the most recently accomplished mega project of METROBUS service that is currently operational in the twin metropolitan cities of Pakistan i.e. Islamabad and Rawalpindi to study the pre and post development perspectives of project in terms of the hazard perception, prospect disaster threats it poses towards the society in case of major seismic activity and the magnitude of disaster preparedness associated to the potential hazardous circumstances as result of seismic event occurrence. Statistical evaluations for the current study were conducted utilizing the SmartPLS 3.0, being based upon the information collected through 336 self-supervised surveyed responses. The results of the current study indicated, the respondents to be highly in favor of the commute service project, but at the same time, they highlighted the concerns regarding socio-economic adversities faced during the project development phases as well as after its completion. Further, the respondents expressed major reservations regarding the disaster management measures taken by the potential stakeholders of the project. Despite the fact that most of the respondents were well educated, the lack of awareness regarding preparedness against any possible project related disastrous situation, was observed. To mitigate the potential disaster losses associated to the project, respondents suggested that the national authorities should proactively provide awareness to the public and assure the availability of all necessary facilities, in case of any hazardous situation; seismic in particular. Considering the practical implications, the current study may be useful for other developing countries, which too faced similar concerns during development of comparable megaprojects and share similar environmental conditions.

Evaluating the Programs and Procedures of Project Planning and Management: the Case of Ethiopia Red Cross Society

The central purpose of the study is to evaluate the programs, project planning and management in Ethiopian Red Cross society and its comparison with procedures of project planning and management system. The study found that Ethiopian Red Cross society has been working on a lot of community development projects in Ethiopia for several decades. Most projects were principally emphasized on disaster and risk reduction. Different organizations use diverse project procedures to achieve the anticipated objectives. This also true for the Ethiopian Red Cross society projects. The Ethiopian Red Cross society had integrated some unique style of project planning and management system in its project. Thus, there was no total departure in the whole system of project development phases. Every cycle of the project life spans are used beginning from the point of concept initiation to final implementation and closure phases.

A screening method for lowering customer acquisition cost in small commercial building energy efficiency projects

The retrofit of buildings to improve energy efficiency represents a vast opportunity in the construction market with the potential to reduce energy demand, create jobs, and achieve environmental benefits. Multiple challenges need to be overcome to unleash this potential and realize the benefits of investments in building energy retrofit projects. Small-/medium-sized commercial buildings are typically underserved by the energy retrofit industry due to the lack of owners’ ability to manage and finance energy efficiency improvements. In the case of energy-intensive and low-margin types of commercial buildings such as restaurants, the potential for energy savings is high, but the favorable conditions that enable retrofits, such as a pending renovation, propensity of clients to conserve energy, and willingness to take time for a retrofit, are scarce. In this research, the development of small energy efficiency projects is examined by proposing a screening method to find prospective candidates for financed energy efficiency projects in a targeted region. This method enables the co-creators of energy retrofit projects to predict the decision-making behavior of business owners and their willingness to invest in energy retrofit based on their restaurants’ attributes in social media. As part of a current initiative, supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, a series of design, development, and delivery of retrofit projects in the context of food services was closely studied. The initial focus was on the Philadelphia region as a model for broader statewide applications. Restaurant owners were surveyed, and information was collected about their buildings’ energy systems, utility bills, and their willingness and/or capacity to invest in energy efficiency upgrades. A “Philadelphia restaurants” dataset was then scraped from the Yelp website. The data includes information about restaurant ratings, number of reviewers, price range, working hours, and ambiance. A methodology was developed to analyze the data and to find patterns and criteria that could possibly influence the owner’s decision for investing in energy performance improvement. To identify patterns, two methods were employed: (1) several focus groups over program period with team members who played roles in project development phase and (2) statistical analysis to identify the factors contributing to successful projects. Using these screening questions from focus groups and the results from statistical analysis, the retrofit likelihood can be estimated for each individual project. This methodology can be applied to larger datasets and would enable the investigators to screen the whole market and prioritize the targets for business recruitment.