Expert Project Research Articles

Assessing the IUCN global standard for nature-based solutions in riverine flood risk mitigation

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published their Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in an effort to further a common understanding and successful application of NbS. Our objective is to analyse the applicability of and considerations and advancements in using the IUCN Standard, as very few studies have examined and reflected on its actual application. As method, we applied the IUCN Standard to three case studies of river restoration projects with a focus on flood risk mitigation: (1) Eddleston Water Project, (2) “Room for the River” Deventer Project, and (3) Missouri River Levee Setback Project. Rather than evaluating the case studies itself, we evaluated the outcome to find the strong and weak points of the IUCN Standard. The gathered data (publicly accessible documents, conducted interviews with experts and stakeholders) was analysed and showed the role of the number of documents and interviews available. This determined the outcome of the IUCN assessment. The consultation of project experts has appeared to be an essential step in the data collection, while stakeholder interviews and field visits were less important, but did increase the degree of substantiation and the ease of data collection, respectively. Although restricted by a limited evaluation of flood risk mitigation studies, using the IUCN Standard for an ex-post assessment can provide credibility to project processes (e.g. stakeholder engagement and adaptive management), reveal project strengths and weaknesses, and provide opportunities for the comparison of projects. Hence, the IUCN Standard aptly evaluates process-based aspects of Nature-based Solutions for riverine flood risk mitigation.

On the Transformation of the Classical Model of Interaction between the State and Science at the Turn of the 21th Century

The change in the relationship between the state and science is clearly manifested at the present time (we are talking about a slowdown in the growth of funding and a change in its principles, precarious employment in science, the prevalence of technoscience, etc.). After presenting the most characteristic features, the article discusses what these changes are related to and how objective they are. Based on the analysis of statistical data and strategic documents of a number of states, the reasons for the ongoing transformation are revealed. It is emphasized that its risks have been presented in many futuristic concepts representing scenarios for the development of society (from the knowledge society to transhumanism), but have not received due attention. It is concluded that we are witnessing a transition from the classical model of the relationship between science and the state, which emerged during the scientific and technological revolution of the twentieth century, to a new model characterized primarily by the expansion of the number of stakeholders, the creation of new forms of innovative research organization, networking and internationalization of scientific research, new techniques for evaluating and stimulating scientific activity, expertise of scientific projects, including public.

An MCDM Approach for Evaluating Construction-Related Risks using a Combined Fuzzy Grey DEMATEL Method

There is a need for more research into prioritizing project risks based on a sound technique due to the complicated and disorganized character of this stage. The project risk management process typically begins with the identification of critical hazards. This study presents a Grey Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FGDEMATEL) approach to prioritize potential causes of project risks within Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM). This framework organizes the numerous risks using the Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) of the Project Management Institute (PMI). The risk information used in this analysis comes mostly from the views and choices of project experts. Grey theory, which takes language phrases for preference collections and translates them into numerical intervals, is responsible for controlling uncertainty and variance in experts' preferences. As each expert has unique skills and experiences, it evaluates the significance of their opinions using a fuzzy number system that incorporates three dimensions. In the end, the FGDEMATEL approach devised a method to rank various project risks.

Development of mineral resources in the territories of indigenous minorities in the Arctic zone of Yakutia: ethnological expertise of projects

The Arctic is one of the world’s last vast undisturbed regions, and its role in the ecological balance of the Northern Hemisphere is enormous. It possesses rich mineral, raw material and fuel and energy resources; therefore, the development of the Arctic is becoming one of the key strategic priorities of the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation (RF). The study was conducted using historical-geographical, analytical, synthetic, and statistical methods. The purpose of the article is to identify constructive approaches to the relationship between indigenous communities and mining companies operating in the areas where these peoples live. The objectives are: 1. the characteristics of the main types of traditional environmental management of indigenous peoples; 2. the environmental and social consequences of the development of the mining industry on the livelihoods of indigenous peoples; 3. investment projects for the development of mineral deposits and ethnological examination. Conclusions: 1. Subsoil user companies conducting economic activities in territories of traditional natural resource management must provide economic and financial guarantees to protect the rights of indigenous minorities of the North. 2. The list of basic guarantees must be reflected in the Agreement on socio-economic cooperation between the municipality and the subsoil user company. 3. A common observation for the submitted EER projects was the insufficient full use of source material: data from tribal communities in the calculation of standard indicators for estimating gross farm income.

Цифровые технологии как средство социальной инженерии

The article discusses the methodological problems of innovation, a new branch of knowledge that has both a scientific and applied character, and also explores such a variety of technical and technological innovations as information and digital technologies, which today determine social dynamics and permeate all spheres of human life, putting forward new requirements for their knowledge and skills. The term "digital society" is analyzed in the conceptual grid of such concepts as "post-industrial society" and "information society". In the course of analyzing the features of the digital society and the socio-cultural effects of the development of digital technologies, the authors focus on the analysis of social, cognitive, psychological, and anthropological risks, including the threat of the loss of attributive personality traits. It is substantiated that in the context of increasing trends in the total mediatization of society, the importance of social and humanitarian expertise, which allows assessing the risks posed by information and digital technologies, is of particular importance. The author substantiates the conclusion that it is necessary to institutionalize the mandatory ethical and humanitarian expertise of large innovative projects and the participation of public organizations and civil society in it. The article raises the question of the need to predict undesirable consequences from the introduction of certain technical and technological innovations and the role of the humanities in this process. Particular attention is paid to the little-developed interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research area called "social assessment of technology", a new area of such a branch of philosophy as the philosophy of technology, which has an institutional character in the West but has not yet received sufficient distribution in our country, as well as the "precautionary principle" and various interpretations of its status in those countries where it is included in legislative documents.

Development of an investment project of a small enterprise for the production of metal doors using the Project Expert 6 Holding program

Development of an investment project of a small enterprise for the production of metal doors using the Project Expert 6 Holding program

A framework for smart building technologies implementation in the Ghanaian construction industry: a PLS-SEM approach

ABSTRACT This study sought to identify the dimensions and the significant critical factors capable of enhancing Smart Building Technologies' (SBTs') implementation for smart building projects in developing countries. A desk literature review is first conducted to identify and categorize the potential factors. It is further analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on 227 valid data from experts in Ghana. The study revealed four underlying dimensions (i.e., ‘processes and control'[PC], ‘people and skills'[PS], ‘methods and techniques'[MT], and ‘knowledge sharing'[KS]) consisting 14 significant critical factors capable of enhancing SBTs implementation for smart building projects, with the top three comprising ‘appropriate procedures/practices for managing smart building projects (MT3)', ‘appropriate tools/techniques to guide smart building projects to their delivery (MT2)', and ‘skills and experience required to pick project team members for smart building projects (PS1)’. Further analysis with PLS-SEM revealed a significant positive effect of the four underlying dimensions and their positive interrelationships toward framework development. Besides the unique contribution of this study to the knowledge body, it also provides project managers and a construction design team with a structured knowledge of the skills, expertise, attitudes, decision-making, processes, control mechanisms, and effective delivery of smart building projects in developing countries.

Exploring the Benefits of Virtual Reality Adoption for Successful Construction in a Developing Economy

Existing literature has shown that Virtual Reality (VR) is widely utilized in advanced economies to enhance sustainable construction practices. However, its adoption in developing economies remains limited. To this end, this study aims at exploring the potential benefits of implementing VR technology in a developing country. The study collected information on the beneficial aspects of VR from previous research and conducted questionnaire surveys to gather relevant insights from construction project experts in Nigeria. The collected data were analyzed using the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking According to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The MARCOS method revealed that the key potential benefits of VR include improved communication and collaboration, enhanced project performance, risk identification, digitalization, and safety planning. Furthermore, the study conducted an in-depth investigation of the beneficial areas of VR using EFA, which identified six component groups: pre-contract stage planning, post-contract stage planning, quality control and sustainability, design flexibility and reputation, resource management, and risk management and digitalization. The study provides a comprehensive discussion of the advantages of implementing virtual building methods in developing countries.

Factors Underpinning the Successful Return of Public–Private Partnership Projects to Public Authority: Assessing the Critical Success Factors of the Transfer Phase of Chinese Water Projects

In China, public–private partnership (PPP) projects consist of six phases, from inception to completion. In the final phase, known as the transfer phase (TP), the project assets are transferred back to the government, and the project is effectively closed out. Although success factors (SF) covering the earlier phases of PPPs have been well-documented, little is known about the effective execution of the TP in China. The main reason is that PPPs are a relatively new phenomenon, with few having reached the end of their life cycle, although this is happening now. Consequently, the determination of critical success factors (CSFs) in the TP is of great interest. This study aims to identify those CSFs that are most impactful to the success of the TP. A total of 23 process factors, arranged in four factor groups, are taken from an earlier study. These factors were presented to China’s water PPP project experts in an online questionnaire, with 52 valid responses returned. Of the 23 process factors, 22 were revealed to be statistically critical to the success of the TP, which were identified as critical transfer success factors (CTSFs). The top five CTSFs are (1) contract system, (2) infrastructure, (3) transferred assets, (4) transfer acceptance criteria, and (5) overhaul information. The identification of the relative criticality of CTSFs and, in particular, the identification of the leading factors, can be expected to support the government and contractor entities in effecting the smooth transfer of many Chinese PPP water projects approaching maturity.

AI in medicine: recommendations for social and humanitarian expertise

The article presents specific recommendations for the examination of AI systems in medicine developed by the authors. The recommendations based on the problems, risks and limitations of the use of AI identified in scientific and philosophical publications of 2019-2022. It is proposed to carry out ethical expertise of projects of medical AI, by analogy with the review of projects of experimental activities in biomedicine; to conduct an ethical review of AI systems at the stage of preparation for their development followed by monitoring the testing of the created system; to focus on bioethical principles during the examination of AI systems for medical purposes.

Innovative Paradigm of Technogenic Civilization: Problems of Methodology

The article attempts to develop the methodological foundations of innovation as a new field of scientific research that studies innovation in science, culture and society. On the basis of the philosophical and methodological approach, the term “innovation” is conceptualized. The definition of the concept of innovation proposed in the article is based on the “procedural approach” in the interpretation of innovation activity and at the same time emphasizes the significance of the final result in the form of a new product that has commercial (social) value. In the context of modern trends in technogenic civilization, the essential features of innovative activity are revealed, its high degree of uncertainty and sensitivity to random changes and the influence of the external environment is revealed, it is shown that, along with organization, self-organization processes play an important role in it, manifested in complex, spontaneous changes accompanying the emergence of innovations. It is concluded that these features are evidence of the synergistic nature of innovation. The “rehabilitation” of synergetics is being carried out, which is considered as an ontological basis for building an innovative methodology. The article also formulates the basic principles of innovation methodology: openness of innovation, unity of linearity and non-linearity, probabilistic nature, the principle of systemic communication and organization, interdisciplinarity, the principle of relying on feedback. The possibility of creating an innovative method is being assessed. On this basis, the modern status of innovation is determined as an independent field of knowledge that has its own object, subject, functions, subjects, methodology, social mechanisms and the sphere of innovative consciousness, as well as other distinctive features of any particular science. A new approach to understanding the social and humanitarian expertise of high-risk innovative projects is proposed.

The impact of public infrastructure project delays on sustainable community development.

Over the years, public infrastructure projects have generated substantial attention as they take the initiative to enrich sustainable community development. This paper looks to identify if the delays in public projects significantly impact the sustainable community development. A questionnaire survey approach is used to collect data. This study employed the partial least square structural equation modeling to examine the hypothesized model. Data obtained from 325 project experts in the Pakistani construction industry provided empirical support for the study. The outcome of the statistical analysis showed that project delay significantly influences sustainable community development. Based on the findings, this study suggests valuable insights to project management planners and executors to improve strategic planning for project executions through proper sustainability approaches.

Economic analysis: prospects of development in the conditions of digitalization of economy

The article reviews the main directions of development of the national school of economic analysis. The essence, types, purpose and principles of economic analysis are revealed. It has been established that the main purpose of economic analysis is the identification of the laws and of economic processes, determination of factors of influence on efficiency of activity of the economic entity, defining the priority directions of development. The main types of economic analysis should include: operational, strategic, functional-accident, diagnostic, investment, innovative, marketing and analysis of own financial condition and financial condition of business partners. To ensure the efficiency and reliability of economic analysis promotes adherence to such principles as: science, system, complexity, periodicity, reliability, efficiency, effectiveness, effectiveness and dynamism. At the current stage of development of economic analysis, there is a steady trend towards the use of innovative software products to improve its quality and efficiency. The following main groups of software tools are intended for the digitalization of economic analysis: digitalization tools for financial analysis, digitalization tools for internal analysis of business activities, digitalization tools for investment project analysis, and intelligent analytical systems. Economic analysis software has certain specifics due to the high concentration of analytical procedures and the diversity of forms and content of the resulting data. A study of the experience of business entities in the use of economic analysis software shows that today most enterprises use universal tools due to their easy adaptation, such software products include Microsoft Excel, Financial Analysis, INEC-Analyst, INEC-Investor, INEC-AFSP software package, FinExpert, Audit Expert, Sales Expert, MARKETING Analysis, Financial Analysis, Project Expert, Prime Expert, NIKOS-Soft, and the NS2000 Corporate Information System. These software programs contain a wide range of universal tools designed to analyze the company's business activities and business processes. The analysis of these software products shows that they are not able to fully meet the requirements of modern business, ensure the proper level of quality and efficiency of analysis, and consistency of information between different structural units. In the context of dynamic market development, the determining factor of success is the prompt provision of high-quality and reliable information to the participants of the management process. The modern market is represented by a significant number of innovative software products designed for a single company management system, such software can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of economic analysis and the consistency of information flows between the enterprise's departments. The functionality of such software products as: «SAP ERP», «Oracle ERP», «BAS ERP», «1C: ERP Manufacturing Enterprise Management», «Galaxy ERP».

Цифровізація професійної підготовки майбутніх фахівців у контексті євроінтеграційних процесів

The article analyzes the theoretical and practical aspects of the digitalization of professional training of future specialists in the context of European integration processes. Based on the theoretical analysis of regulatory documents and research achievements of national scholars, the author identifies the leading areas of digitalization of professional training of future specialists in higher education institutions. These are digitalization of the society and education; digital technologies for professional development, communication and cooperation; electronic educational resources; the use of information and communication technologies; information and cyber security in the information society and digital educational environment; digital services for training, evaluating the results of students and improving their digital competence. The author of the article emphasizes the change of the functional responsibilities of a teacher in higher education institution. In particular, two roles are defined: a consultant, whose task is the consolidation of knowledge and learning skills, providing the consulting assistance regarding the application of acquired knowledge and skills in the future professional activities, and an expert, who is ready to provide consulting support of educational development processes and promoting their active implementation in a specific institution of higher education, carry out evaluation and expertise of educational programs and projects at a high level of competence; research planning and implementation and consulting assistance to teachers who implement new teaching technologies. It is emphasized that European integration in terms of educational processes demands for the formation and development of a flexible system of vocational education based on the academic achievements of students, general and professional competencies of higher education teachers, ensuring that education is aligned with the needs of the society and vocational education with the needs of the labor market. Keywords: vocational training, professional development, European integration, digitalization, simulation training.

АУДИТОРСКАЯ ЭКСПЕРТИЗА ИНВЕСТИЦИОННОГО ПРОЕКТА КОММЕРЧЕСКОЙ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ: СУЩНОСТЬ, ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПОРЯДОК ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ

Currently, many experts agree that independent assessment, including audit, are important tools with which an organization can improve its business reputation. By disclosing additional information, the founders and managers draw attention to the financial and economic activities and economic activities of the entity. Recently, a special discussion has arisen around the issue of independent evaluation of investment projects. Investments are now one of the most popular ways to attract funds and other resources. In terms of verification and evaluation of investment projects, only state expertise has been developed, several significant and important regulations have been developed, and the Federal Autonomous Institution “Main Directorate of State Expertise” is functioning. It is impossible to observe such a development in relation to commercial investment projects. Auditing organizations do not often undertake the audit of investment projects, since there is no developed set of regulatory legal acts and international standards governing this issue. That is why this issue is relevant and carries an important mission, which in the future will be aimed at developing the audit expertise of investment projects in domestic practice. This article discusses the specifics of the audit examination of investment projects. The normative acts on the definition of the concepts of “investment”, “investment project” have been studied, the types of potential investors for whom expertise can be carried out have been disclosed. The problems of auditing investment projects, as well as the tasks of this type of auditing activity, are analyzed. The main stages of the audit examination of investment projects are proposed and described.

European experience in the examination of scientific projects and decision-making on their financing

Europe is considered one of the leaders in the field of scientific research and innovation, so analyzing its approaches to expertise and funding can help other countries to improve their practices. Studying the specifics of expertise and financing of scientific projects is extremely important for the development of the scientific research sphere. Therefore, this article is devoted to the study and analysis of the features of expertise used in Europe to evaluate scientific projects, as well as decision-making mechanisms regarding their funding. The paper analyzes the main approaches and criteria for expert evaluation of scientific projects in Europe, characterizes the peculiarities of their financing. The most successful strategies and mechanisms that contribute to effective decision-making regarding the distribution of funds between scientific projects have been studied. The scientific article aims to enrich the knowledge and understanding of the processes related to the examination and funding of scientific research and to obtain theoretical and methodological data that can serve for the further improvement of the management systems of scientific research projects and be used in the field of scientific and scientific and technical management examination The results of this study can be useful for scientific organizations, universities, government structures and other interested parties that have a direct impact on scientific development and the system of scientific expertise.

BIM dimensions: example of air blower station at wastewater treatment plant

The main goal of research is to analyse the prospects for the development of BIM dimensions (3D-7D) in Russia on the example of Water and wastewater industry (WWI) asset. Justification of goal is the insufficient development of industry-specific BIM systems, allowing for different interpretations of its dimensions. The object of research is the air blower station (ABS), the most energy-intensive asset, which typically consumes 62-85% of the energy of WWTP’s. The method is a hypothesis of 3D-7D modeling of water utility asset, presented for the discussions. ABS compressors reduce costs by regulating the air supply due to lifestyle of the population and seasonal environmental conditions (example of simulation results is present). 3D design visualises variant of the reconstruction of the ABS, implemented according to typical project. 4D planning represent the schedule of energy service company, which provides investments and jobs for: design documentation execution, equipment purchase, installation and commissioning of equipment. 5D costs analyses features of the phase in terms of project expertise. 6D sustainability model in practice differs from prediction or forecasting generated by the simulation model of ABS asset, power consumption will be lower up to real (not simulated) technological loads. 7D management analyses possibility of the life cycle cost estimation as strategic advantage of WWI standard. The paper is based on Russian standards. Designing of 3D models are developing on an irregular basis (proactively) in Russia. The mastering of modeling 3D, 4D, 5D based on individual disciplines (as autonomous databases) is self-sufficient today as WWI tusk. The operational nature of WWI enterprises testifies to the development of elements of 6D-7D models.

Development of a Communication Instrument to Address Sexuality in COPD: COSY.

Sexuality, an important aspect of quality of life, is often overlooked in COPD. Our aim was to develop an instrument that facilitates communication and counseling on sexuality in persons living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We searched for publications on sexuality in COPD focusing on communication about sexuality and tools to support such communication. We also performed a survey asking 25 patients and 36 health care professionals (HCPs) about their attitudes, experiences, barriers, and facilitators when talking about sexuality. We set up a project expert team of HCPs and 3 persons with COPD. In a half-day workshop, the team discussed the results of the literature review and the survey as a basis for the contents, the "when and how" to address communication about sexuality, and the design of the communication instrument. The survey showed that although patients and HCPs wanted to talk about sexuality, it rarely happened due to communication barriers, lack of self-confidence, and misconceptions on both sides. In review rounds of the expert team, feedback on the drafts was collected and integrated into the final version of the communication instrument: COmmunication about SexualitY in COPD (COSY). The COSY instrument resulted in 4 tools: a communication leaflet, an application guide, a pictorial representation of the spectrum of intimacy for HCPs, and a comprehensible, picturized information booklet for patients. Addressing sexuality in persons living with COPD should not be neglected. The COSY instrument could help to start and shape communication and consultations about sexuality and a more holistic consideration of quality of life.

Управління ризиками ІТ-проєктів: сутність та особливості застосування підходів PMBoK і AGILE

Recently, the relevance of risk management of IT projects has increased significantly, which is associated with their rapid development and a high level of uncertainty in the external environment. The purpose of the study is to determine the features of risk management of IT projects on the basis of modern theory and practice of project management. The paper analyzes the essence of the concept of «IT project», as well as identifies its features, including: non-standard life cycle; mobility and ambiguity of some areas in the IT field; high level of uniqueness of the project; dependence on other IT projects and technologies; low level of project expertise due to the uniqueness of the technologies on which the project is based; high level of project complexity and uncertainty. The essence of the concept of «IT project risk» is also defined, the main types of risks are characterized. The features of using the PMBoK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) methodology in project risk management are analyzed. A characterization of the stages of risk management in IT projects based on the PMBoK approach is provided, including: risk planning; risk identification; qualitative and quantitative risk assessment; planning a risk response strategy; monitoring and control of risks. It is determined that risk management of IT projects using the PMBoK approach has significant shortcomings if used in conditions of a high level of uncertainty and novelty of the project. The article also provides a characterization of flexible risk management of an IT project based on the Agile methodology, which in turn is based on an iterative approach, continuous risk assessment and the development of measures for their adaptation. A comparative characterization of the approaches of PMBoK and Agile to risk management of IT projects is provided: their strengths, weaknesses, and areas of application are identified. It is noted that the choice between PMBoK and Agile approaches should be based on the specific needs of the project and the organizational context. PMBoK will be appropriate for large, long-term projects, as well as in situations where predictability, adherence to the plan are crucial, while Agile is best suited for innovative projects that are implemented in an uncertain or dynamic environment and require flexibility, quick adaptation, and customer focus. A significant number of project managers in the IT field prefer a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both methodologies.

Complexity Management in Large Construction Projects: Identifying Factors and Variables

This study answers the questions “what are the main factors of complexity in large projects?” and “what kind of relationships are there among the factors?” To answer these questions, the purpose of this research is identifying the factors of project complexity in the large construction and the relationships among them. Structural, technological, and environmental complexities considered as the main themes, and they formed the main components of the conceptual model. Research strategy is multiple case study in Iranian large construction projects, and research method is survey. The project experts of the selected cases form the research population, and stratified sampling method is the sample selection method. Accordingly, 300 questionnaires were distributed among the members, and finally 120 completed questionnaires were analyzed using structural modeling. The findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between environmental complexity and project complexity. That is, when the complexity of the project environment, including economic, social, and political factors, raise, the complexity of the project increases too, while both technological and structural complexities at the 0.001 level affect project complexity less than environmental factos. In other words, the relationships between technological and structural complexities with project complexity in Iranian large projects are weaker than environmental complexity. So, the intensity of the relationship between the last two factors is slightly different with the literature.