Opportunities For Projects Research Articles

Agency Building with Early Research Exposure: A Study of an Undergraduate Science Education Exposure Program

Undergraduate research exposure provides students with opportunities to positively perceive their association with their scientific discipline through agentic experiences, and thereby fostering their disciplinary identity building. In the present study, we explore students’ experiences of participating in an undergraduate level research exposure camp in Chemistry discipline. The camp is organized under a national level nurture initiative for undergraduate science and engineering students in India. It is a two-week long residential camp in which students are engaged in lectures on theoretical topics in chemistry, problem solving sessions, long laboratory exercises, abstract writing session, and students’ seminars. The camp also serves as a first step to select a small cohort of students based on their performance in the different activities during the camp for extended research projects opportunities. We apply the critical science agency framework to examine students’ experiences during the camp, and how understand how students connect their prior experiences and future career related choices with their camp experiences. The qualitative analysis describes students’ accounts of the emergence of agentic personalities at the entry, during, and beyond the camp. We noted instances in which students’ decisions and subsequent actions of applying to and attending the camp surfaced, and through students’ narration interpreted how some of these were markers of critical science agency. Based on authors’ understanding, this is the first, and one of the few studies conducted using critical science agency framework with science undergraduate students about their early research experiences. The study provides insights about potential programmatic features for similar undergraduate research camps in India as well as on a global platform.

Assessing risks and opportunities associated with ESG factorsin investment projects

Our aim was to investigate the influence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on risks and opportunities in investment and construction projects. The research methodology involved a review of scientific publications, both domestic and foreign, concerning ESG factors and approaches to their integration into investment projects. This allowed us to develop a step-by-step approach to assessing the impact of these factors on the risks and opportunities in investment construction projects. The proposed approach consists in identifying significant ESG aspects, carrying out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the associated risks and opportunities, and establishing a system for managing ESG factors within a particular project. In addition, we developed a system of quantitative indicators for assessing ESG factors, allowing them to be taken into account when designing a financial and economic model of the project. Theoretical results related to the development of an algorithm for assessing the impact of ESG factors and the system of indicators for their quantitative measurement were obtained. It is concluded that the assessment and management of ESG factors play an important role in improving the sustainability and efficiency of investment and construction projects. Further research should be focused on the creation of industry standards and indicators for assessing ESG factors in the sphere of investment and construction, as well as on the improvement of tools for environmental funding of projects.

Against wastelanding: distributed design at the pace of soil in the Conca de Barberà

This paper proposes a methodology for designers to work in the extensive yet marginal landscapes that are produced as part of the process of agricultural intensification. The distributed design approach, which focuses on enriching the existing bioinfrastructure of the soil, emerged out an ongoing research project in the Conca de Barberà, Spain. The project involves managing an interconnected series of currently unproductive on unmaintained fields through the rotational grazing of horses, with the hypothesis that the systematic grazing regime will catalyse soil biological activity. By attending to the soil infrastructure, the project necessarily developed a unique design approach. Management decisions became design problems and design work took on something of the call and response of management. Though it was shaped by the specific constraints and opportunities of the research project, the methodology is applicable to a wide variety of design projects in extensive landscapes with limited resources.

Blue Economy Financing Solutions for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors of Caribbean Island States

This study reviews various financing solutions available for fisheries and aquaculture development in Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) and Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Previously identified financing needs within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors have been matched with the most suitable financing mechanisms. However, the use of blue levies is recommended and applicable in almost every scenario, as they allow these sectors to drive their own development in financing research and conservation projects to their own benefit. The use of “blue tokens” with sufficiently low repayment coupons allows development projects to gather public support for fisheries, thereby increasing the likelihood of the project being successful through community buy-in. The possibility of natural capital being traded as public equities as “Natural Asset Companies” provides the opportunity for development projects to fund themselves. The review concludes that natural capital can be leveraged as the base through which public-private partnerships (PPPs) can facilitate optimal delivery of ecosystem services, benefit multiple stakeholders, and provide numerous development opportunities. An enabling environment for debt and lending with low-interest loan repayments is also applicable to almost every scenario, as it facilitates access to capital finance for infrastructure development and the acquisition of increasingly sustainable fishing equipment. Steps towards generating an enabling environment for financing fisheries and aquaculture in the Caribbean region are also discussed. The establishment of dedicated financing institutions, PPPs, and sufficient data reporting infrastructure for the fisheries and aquaculture industry are essential for driving development in these sectors. Likely, the largest limiting factor in financing Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture industries is a lack of awareness of the range of finance and financing mechanisms available to stakeholders, as well as an enabling environment for financing blue Economy sectors. This review is thus intended to aid financing institutions, Blue Economy developers, and specifically Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders and Caribbean governments by raising awareness of the financing mechanisms available, encourage the incorporation of their use in the fisheries and aquaculture industries in the Caribbean, and encourage policymakers to create an enabling environment for financing development in these crucial sectors.

COVID-19 opportunities in construction projects: the case of Peru

COVID-19 opportunities in construction projects: the case of Peru

Dynamic financial modeling and feasibility studies for affordable housing policies: A conceptual synthesis

The escalating demand for affordable housing necessitates innovative approaches to financial modeling and feasibility analysis to ensure the success and sustainability of housing policies. This abstract presents a conceptual synthesis of dynamic financial modeling and feasibility studies, exploring their pivotal role in shaping effective affordable housing policies. Dynamic financial modeling involves creating flexible and adaptive financial models that account for varying economic conditions, policy changes, and market fluctuations. These models are essential for predicting financial outcomes, assessing the viability of housing projects, and guiding investment decisions. By incorporating real-time data and scenario analysis, dynamic financial models help stakeholders understand potential risks and opportunities, enabling more informed decision-making. Key components of dynamic financial modeling include cash flow analysis, sensitivity testing, and scenario planning, which together provide a comprehensive view of a project's financial viability over time. Feasibility studies complement financial modeling by evaluating the practical aspects of affordable housing projects, such as site selection, regulatory compliance, and market demand. These studies assess the alignment of housing projects with community needs and regulatory requirements, ensuring that proposed developments are both feasible and beneficial. Feasibility studies often include market analysis, cost estimates, and risk assessments, providing a detailed understanding of project constraints and opportunities. The synthesis of dynamic financial modeling and feasibility studies offers a robust framework for evaluating affordable housing policies. It allows for the integration of financial projections with practical considerations, ensuring that policies are not only economically viable but also aligned with social and regulatory objectives. Case studies from various regions demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in identifying successful strategies and addressing common challenges. In conclusion, dynamic financial modeling and feasibility studies are crucial tools for developing and implementing effective affordable housing policies. They provide a comprehensive understanding of financial and practical dimensions, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing the sustainability and impact of affordable housing initiatives. This conceptual synthesis underscores the importance of integrating these methodologies to achieve long-term success in addressing housing affordability challenges. Keywords: Policies, Affordable Housing, Feasibility Studies, Dynamic Financial Modeling, conceptual Synthesis.

Heritage conservation and energy efficiency in adaptive reuse projects the case of Gaziantep, Türkiye

PurposeThis article explores the challenges and opportunities in adaptive reuse projects for historic buildings, focusing on the interrelationship between energy efficiency and heritage conservation.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilises a mixed-method approach, including semi-structured interviews and energy retrofit surveys, conducted in seven adaptively reused historical buildings in the Bey neighbourhood, Gaziantep, Türkiye. Thematic analysis is used for interviews, and survey results were discussed together within the framework of CSN EN16883.FindingsThe adaptive reuse of historic buildings can result in economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for local communities. However, for this to occur, careful consideration must be given when selecting the new function, ensuring that it aligns with the buildings' environmental performance potential and the community’s needs. Considering the CSN EN16883 Guidelines for improving the energy performance of historic buildings, when the retrofits made by the users are assessed, the general approach is to preserve the heritage value of the building rather than making it energy efficient.Originality/valueThis study will add to a cross-cultural understanding of the complex relationship between adaptive reuse, energy efficiency and heritage conservation by looking at the local context of Gaziantep. No similar qualitative study addresses this issue in this region.

Importancia de la ingeniería química en la alianza Academia-Industria-Gobierno-Sociedad (aigs) en la región Caribe colombiana

Chemical engineering is crucial in socie-ty and can contribute to the collaboration between Academy, Industry, Government, and Society (AIGS) to promote sustainable projects and knowledge transfer in the Ca-ribbean region of Colombia. This study exa-mines the impact of chemical engineering in the region, including program offerings, in-dicators of chemical engineering programs, job market, and opportunities for projects with societal impact. Four public and pri-vate institutions have been identified, each offering comprehensive 10-semester study programs designed to cultivate both tech-nical expertise and humanistic education in aspiring chemical engineers. These pro-grams aim to equip students with the neces-sary tools to tackle the pressing challenges of sustainability. The curriculum is structured into distinct components: foundation (34 %), engineering basics (17 %), professional (39 %), and humanities (11 %). However, dispari-ties in student enrollment numbers between public and private institutions have emer-ged, posing a potential risk to the sustaina-bility of programs in the latter. The chemical industry is prominent, with diversification in Atlántico and a focus on the petrochemi-cal sector in Bolívar. Graduates of chemical engineering in the Caribbean region have di-verse career opportunities with employabi-lity ranges between 50 % and 80 %. Besides, Clusters and CUEEs are important initiatives that guide collaboration within the AIGSalliance, utilizing methodologies for strate-gic management and participatory projects to receive state funding for developments through Science, Technology, and Innova-tion. This study’s results demonstrate that the practice of chemical engineering in the Caribbean region is harmonized with the re-gion’s strategic goals, cultivating socio-eco-nomic benefits through collaborations between companies and universities. Fur-thermore, these findings offer direction to higher education institutions, particularly private ones, encouraging proactive efforts to secure resources for projects. These ini-tiatives, in turn, create avenues to expand educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students.

The project-based learning model of training engineers: exploring opportunities for building an individual learning trajectory from the students’ and instructors’ perspectives

Introduction. The project-based approach into engineering training is an innovative education practice that exemplifies the UNESCO strategy for implementing such practices in education worldwide. The motivation of the study is justified by the fact that the implementation of project-based learning involves building a student learning trajectory, which meets demands for competitive specialists in the automotive industry. The research aimed to investigate opportunities for building students’ learning paths in correlation with the formal performance of the project-based learning model and to elicit issues for its improving. Materials and methods. The study used analysis of previous research and formal performance indicators of the project activity at the Mechanical Engineering Center, where pilot engineering training was launched at Togliatti State University (TSU, Russian Federation). To collect empirical data, an online survey was administered among 118 engineering students (its reliability reached Cronbach’s alpha 0.84), and unstructured and focused interviews among student advisors and project supervisors were conducted. Methods of descriptive statistics and IBM SPSS Statistics 23 package were employed to process the obtained quantitative data. Research results. Quantitative performance indicators of the model demonstrate overall positive dynamics in engineers’ training from 2017 to the present. The study discovered project satisfaction at the Mechanical Engineering Centre (74.1%) and the majority of students (71.9%) evaluate positively project opportunities. The correlation between the project role and the awareness of project opportunities was found (r = 0.23; p < 0.05): all student advisors considered project activity as an opportunity to develop their learning trajectory. However, 14.9% of participants did not consider such project prospects. The focused interview clarified reasons for this choice. Conclusion. The study shows that the correlation between the positive dynamics of formal indicators and assessments of the opportunities of building an individual learning trajectory reveals the need to improve the introduced model in terms of finding the optimal balance between the number of projects and their quality. The study prospects include the formation of students’ readiness and internal motivation for participating in engineering projects. The TSU experience in evaluating the opportunities of forming students’ learning paths through project participation can be helpful for other Russian universities where project-based learning is implemented.

Tell your story: Metrics of success for academic data science collaboration and consulting programs

Measuring success plays a central role in justifying and advocating for a statistical or data science consulting or collaboration program (SDSP) within an academic institution. We present several specific metrics to report to targeted audiences to tell the story for success of a robust and sustainable program. While gathering such metrics includes challenges, we discuss potential data sources and possible practices for SDSPs to inform their own approaches. Emphasizing essential metrics for reporting, we also share the metric gathering and reporting practices of two programs in greater detail. New or existing SDSPs should evaluate their local environments and tailor their practice to gathering, analysing and reporting success metrics accordingly. This approach provides a strong foundation to use success metrics to tell compelling stories about the SDSP and enhance program sustainability. The area of success metrics provides ample opportunity for future research projects that leverage qualitative methods and consider mechanisms for adapting to the changing landscape of data science.

A review of natural resource extraction industries and their influence on the occurrence of poverty

PurposeThis research paper takes a narrow approach to examining the apparent link between poverty and the resource extraction industries. However, it acknowledges that much more is to be explored about this relationship. Many complexities influence the occurrence and degree of poverty in a particular country, region, or community.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review identified proposed and operational poverty reduction actions and processes categorized under the broad concept of community development projects. The surveyed cases describe how various corporate strategies, work processes, labor requirements and efficient management and governance solutions are purported to improve poverty-reduction efforts potentially.FindingsNo causal linkages between poverty and hypothetically valuable and successful community development projects were found. No poverty monitoring evaluations and learning data (MEL) for these projects were proposed and published in most of the literature. However, associations were observed between some business practices implemented in these resource extraction community development projects and observations of indicators of lower poverty levels.Practical implicationsThe research improves our understanding of the requirements and opportunities for successful community development projects by highlighting processes, company strategy, human resource programs and enlightened governance that can contribute to reducing poverty.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the characteristics of community development projects that appear to span natural resource extraction industries and countries. Effective management strategies and representative and formally designated organisational governance boards are essential for these projects.

Training & Community Involvement for Remote Housing Projects in Australia Northern Territory

Abstract—Construction of houses in remote communities faces a range of challenges, many of which would be reduced by the involvement of local community members during the construction. Remote housing demand is high and under-resourcing in existing houses impacts on the health of the occupants. This research investigates and evaluates ways to improve community engagement in remote housing projects. Builders with experience delivering remote housing projects were asked to provide insight relating to the potential training and involvement of community members during construction. It was found that builders have major challenges with work ethics, poor numeracy and literacy and language barrier in remote areas which hinder community engagement in remote projects. Some building techniques such as slab on ground and steel wall framing were found more effective for community engagement. Results also show that training of community members could be improved by setting benchmark goals to be achieved throughout a project. This means there is an opportunity for housing projects in remote communities to improve on essential training and employment through better involvement of local community members during construction, in turn this will lead to better maintenance and understanding of houses.

Requalification of pipelines for CO2 transport – giving new life to the Bayu-Undan and Reindeer pipelines

Australia has in the order of 3500 km of offshore pipelines currently operating in Commonwealth waters which will require either re-use or decommissioning at the end of hydrocarbon service. Santos are currently developing the Bayu-Undan and Reindeer CCS (carbon, capture and storage) Projects, to make use of the depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs to store carbon dioxide (CO2) via existing offshore infrastructure. A key aspect of these projects is the requalification of existing offshore hydrocarbon pipelines to transport CO2, both of which have been in operation for 10–20 years. The Bayu-Undan and Reindeer pipelines were designed and operated for (a) distinctly different hydrocarbon services and (b) with no initial consideration for future CO2 service. This presents two unique technical starting points in the delivery of safe and robust conversion to CO2 service. Using knowledge gained from this, the paper provides an outline of the key technical considerations to requalification of pipelines unique to the combination of life extension and CO2 service. These are framed in the context of existing industry codes and technical challenges with CO2 pipelines. The outcomes are structured against typical phases in the project lifecycle and opportunities for optimisation of future CO2 re-purposing projects are proposed.

Diversity, challenges, and opportunities of Fishery Improvement Projects in the Latin America and the Caribbean region

Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) have become a popular tool to drive sustainable management among fisheries. FIPs, guided by a private sector-led governance structure motivated by market-driven incentives, aim to reduce environmental impacts in fisheries, using the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fishery standard as a guide. The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region is a FIPs global hotspot. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of FIPs in the LAC region and highlights their potential and limitations in driving fisheries toward sustainability. We used information from the FisheryProgress website to analyze the main characteristics, and challenges concerning the MSC fishery standard, as well as actions, and outputs taken by FIPs. FIPs in this region are diverse, and face similar challenges related to defining stock status, establishing harvest strategies and control rules, and implementing fishery-specific management given limited fisheries information. Data collection and engagement through meetings to modify fishing practices and policies were the most employed actions to address these challenges. Although many FIPs are ongoing, improvements are evident as FIPs advance to later stages. Overall, FIPs are seen as a multi-stakeholder tool that encourages fisheries to enhance their environmental performance in pursuit of sustainability. However, more time is required to ascertain the true extent of their impact. This research offers insights into the main challenges and strategies when implementing FIPs in LAC. Our results should, be valuable for stakeholders looking to support sustainable fisheries management through FIPs where fisheries conditions are similar.

Gellan Gum as a Unique Microbial Polysaccharide: Its Characteristics, Synthesis, and Current Application Trends.

Gellan gum (GG) is a linear, negatively charged exopolysaccharide that is biodegradable and non-toxic. When metallic ions are present, a hard and transparent gel is produced, which remains stable at a low pH. It exhibits high water solubility, can be easily bio-fabricated, demonstrates excellent film/hydrogel formation, is biodegradable, and shows biocompatibility. These characteristics render GG a suitable option for use in food, biomedical, and cosmetic fields. Thus, this review paper offers a concise summary of microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, an in-depth investigation of trends in different facets of GG, such as biosynthesis, chemical composition, and physical and chemical properties, is emphasized. In addition, this paper highlights the process of extracting and purifying GG. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of GG concerning other polysaccharides is presented. Moreover, the utilization of GG across different industries, such as food, medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc., is thoroughly examined and will greatly benefit individuals involved in this field who are seeking fresh opportunities for innovative projects in the future.

Systemic design applied to Medtech. Guidelines for corporate training on sustainable healthcare

The purpose of this paper is using the potential of Systemic Methodology to define the contents of a sustainable training course for companies in the healthcare system. In-depth research of the current state in the art of the healthcare sector revealed the main critical points, on which to focus in order to develop project opportunities. The involvement of a cluster of companies as a reference case study, the bioPmed cluster, was crucial to properly implement the desk research. Comparing the state of the art with a tangible experience closer to the needs of MedTech companies, the training audience, was the goal of this important analysis phase. The paper is a starting point for a wider European project (Systema), which is involving international clusters and aims to realise the outputs of this research by designing a multi-stakeholder platform.

Analisis Kinerja Tender dengan Sistem Penilaian Kualifikasi “Nilai Pengalaman Tertinggi” pada Perusahaan Konstruksi

Bidding activities in a job are carried out through a tender offer to select up to the process of appointing which company is appropriate in carrying out a work package. The method for determining the winner of the tender can be done by knockout method, value or cost assessment. Bidding that is usually made by companies can have several problems, while the main thing that often arises is that bids are made too high in the hope that bidders can get a large profit, or vice versa they cannot offer prices that are too low due to the hope of getting a project opportunity. the greater it is. Companies that procure both goods and services are carried out efficiently, effectively, transparently, openly, competitively, fairly and accountably. Based on BPS data by DataIndonesia.ID, there are 131,414 companies in Indonesia in 2021. This number has increased by 1.76% compared to the previous year of 129,137 companies. The large number of construction companies has the impact of increasing competition between companies in winning an auction/tender. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Tender Performance With the Highest Experience Value Qualification Rating System in Construction Companies. The method used in this research is descriptive method with purposive sampling technique. The sample of this research is 88 companies located in Jabodetabek. The results showed that there was an effect of the highest experience value on winning tenders in construction companies in Jakarta with a p value <0.005. The conclusion in this study is that the highest experience value rating system affects the evaluation of tender acceptance qualifications in construction companies.

INSTITUTIONS AND MANDATES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN BULGARIAN RURAL AREAS

Climate change is undeniably the leading challenge in the 21st century (IPCC 2022). Agriculture is simultaneously a major driver of climate change and is seriously affected by it (EEA, 2019). The adaptation efforts and the level of readiness to adapt to climate change vary between regions, countries and sectors (e.g. agriculture and environment). The overall goal of the research is to assess the level of readiness for climate change adaptation of the agricultural and environmental institutions in Bulgaria. The specific objective of the paper is to analyse their institutional setups and mandates for adapting to climate change in the Bulgarian rural areas. The research findings and results will support the identification of enabling conditions and key barriers to stronger institutional adaptation capacities of the main agricultural and environmental institutions in the country. The assessment is based on documentary analysis of the national climate adaptation strategy and the legal acts, regulating the institutions’ mandates and functions. The methodological approach is motivated by the conceptual model developed by Ford and King (2015) for assessing the climate adaptation readiness by governments at various scales. The focus is on three of their adaptation readiness factors – political leadership on adaptation, institutional organisation for adaptation and adaptation decision making. The results indicate a reactive rather than proactive political leadership on climate adaptation in Bulgaria. The institutional organisation for adaptation suffers serious understaffing in the Ministry of Environment and Water and in the relevance sectoral ministries. The Strategy on Climate Change and Adaptation stated the need for increased capacities and training in sectoral institutions and stakeholders in 2019. In 2023, there is only one environmental institution with an official mandate on climate change – the Climate Policy Department in the Ministry of Environment and Water. Its mandate is on policy development at the global, European and national level addressing both mitigation and adaptation needs; and it is the smallest unit in the ministry in terms of staff numbers. The other environmental institution with a mandate on climate change is the Executive Environmental Agency which monitors the greenhouse gas emissions and the related permits and registers, with no explicit mandate on climate adaptation. As regards the agriculture and rural development institutions, the Rural Development Directorate in the Ministry of Agriculture has a mandate to propose measures addressing climate change needs during the programming of the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The identified needs (i.e. introduce climate adapted breeds and plant species) relate to the farming sector and not to the rural areas. Overall, the key weakness of the Bulgarian climate adaptation approach in rural areas is its reactive and ad-hoc basis. It either is driven by EU regulations and requirements or is implemented when project opportunities arise, without systemic planning and ownership of responsibility in the agriculture or environmental institutions. Key words: climate change governance, adaptation readiness, agriculture JEL code: Q54, Q58, Q18

Russian trends in ensuring gender equality in the digital economy

The digital economy is becoming increasingly important these days, but it also reflects gender inequalities in technology and IT. Women in the digital economy often face barriers to career advancement, access to education, and project opportunities. Despite this, women play a key role in the development of the digital economy and can make a significant contribution to innovation and technology development. The development of strategies to eliminate gender inequalities in the digital economy is a necessary measure to achieve equality of opportunity and sustainable development of society. The article is devoted to the problems of overcoming gender inequality in the digital economy. The problem of the gender gap in the digital economy is inherent not only in developing economies, but also in countries that classify themselves as developed countries. The article shows the main objective reasons that give rise to gender inequality in the transition of the economy to a digital format; reviewed the experience of the BRICS member countries in creating conditions for overcoming gender inequality in the digital economy in accordance with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) proclaimed by the UN; describes the main trends of changes in the field of ensuring gender equality in the Russian Federation in the interaction of the state, business and society.

Tenure security and access to inclusive rural financial services for smallholder farmers: challenges and opportunities in rural development projects

Tenure security and access to inclusive rural financial services for smallholder farmers: challenges and opportunities in rural development projects