Sector Planning Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Jaringan Saraf Tiruan untuk Prediksi Curah Hujan di Sumatera Utara

The use of Artificial Neural Networks (JST) for weather prediction is one of the innovative approaches in climate data analysis. This study aims to apply JST in predicting weather, especially rainfall and the number of rainy days in the North Sumatra region. Historical weather data obtained from BMKG Region I for 2022-2023 is used as input to train the JST model. With a training process that involves processing rainfall data, this model is expected to provide accurate predictions regarding weather patterns. The results of this research can help in agricultural sector planning, disaster risk mitigation, and natural resource management. JST has proven to be effective in identifying dynamic and complex weather patterns, so it has the potential to be used in long-term weather prediction.

Abwägung, Alternativen und Varianten in kommunalen Planungsprozessen. Grundsätzliche Überlegungen und Ergebnisse einer empirischen Untersuchung

Balancing in general and balancing alternatives and variants can be seen as a core component of the work of planners. Against the backdrop of current social challenges, the complexity of these balancing processes is increasing. From a planning science perspective, however, the question of the balancing process has only begun to be analysed. To date, there are only a few empirical studies that have explicitly focussed on balancing processes in Germany. This is where this paper starts by focusing on urban planning, investigating what planners understand by balancing alternatives and variants and how the balancing process is presented in everyday planning. To this end, 19 qualitative interviews were conducted with public and private sector planners. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results confirm the central role of balancing processes in everyday planning and emphasise the need for further research to understand these processes’ complexity and significance.

Financing immunisation in Kenya: examining bottlenecks in health sector planning and budgeting at the decentralised level

BackgroundDecentralisation has increasingly been adopted by countries as an important health sector reform aimed at increasing community participation in decision making while enhancing swift response at decentralised levels, to accelerate the attainment of health system goals. Kenya adopted a devolved system of government where health services delivery became a function of the 47 semi-autonomous county governments with planning and budgeting functions practised at both levels of government. This study sought to explore challenges facing health sector planning and budgeting and how they affect immunisation service delivery at the county level.MethodsData were collected through 77 in-depth interviews of senior county department of health officials across 15 counties in Kenya. We applied an inductive thematic approach in analysing the qualitative data using NVIVO software.FindingsThe study found a lack of alignment between planning and budgeting processes, with planning being more inclusive compared to budgeting. Inadequate capacity in conducting planning and budgeting and political interference were reported to hinder the processes. Limited budget allocations and delayed and untimely disbursement of funds were reported to affect execution of health and immunisation budgets. Low prioritisation of preventive health interventions like immunisation due to their perceived intangibility influenced resource allocation to the programs.ConclusionThe findings highlight the need for effective strategies to align planning and budgeting processes, increased technical support to counties to enhance the requisite capacity, and efforts to improve budget execution to improve budget credibility. Counties should plan to increase their funding commitment toward immunisation to ensure sustainability of the program as Kenya transitions from GAVI support.

Urban Road Transport Infrastructure Planning and Development Implications on Socio-Economic Growth in the City of Douala, Cameroon

Cities are the major contributors to socio- economic growth with easy access to amenities which stem through road transport infrastructure development. This study was conducted to assess urban road transport infrastructure planning and examine development implications on socio-economic growth in the City of Douala. A descriptive research design was used with primary and secondary data collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results revealed that, transport infrastructure in Douala have been structured through urban development planning policy which influences surface spatial expansion of socio- economic activities. The planning policies have contributed to the rapid expansion and growth through the initiations of master plan, land use plan and sector plan. Infrastructural development on road transport depicts a physical expansion and construction of road networks which influences the socio-economic growth of the study area. Stakeholders’ actions on construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation, investments and maintenance of road infrastructure have helped to curb down some transportation challenges and creates easy access to facilities within different sectors of the study area. However, road transport infrastructure which is well-developed boasts socio-economic activities and growth. The state of road transport network, its diversity and characteristic features is defined by its prevalence within different areas in Douala. Contrarily, other transport infrastructures which are not functioning appropriately due to lapses in physical planning possess enormous implications on transportation in the study area. The conclusion drawn was that the manner in which urban planning policies are implemented determines the level of development in road transport infrastructure and socio-economic growth of Douala. The study recommends an effective application of planning policies to be integrated by implicating all the actors of urban managers and transportation planners for improved growth in the study area.

A joint Cournot equilibrium model for the hydrogen and electricity markets

Hydrogen production through renewable energy-powered electrolysis is pivotal for fostering a sustainable future hydrogen market. In the electricity sector, hydrogen production bears an additional demand that affects electricity price, and mathematical models are needed for the joint simulation, analysis, and planning of electricity and hydrogen sectors. This study develops a Cournot and a perfect competition model to analyze the links of the electricity and hydrogen sectors. In contrast to other solving methods approaches, the Cournot model is solved by convex reformulation techniques, substantially easing the resolution. The case studies, focusing on the Iberian Peninsula, demonstrate the region's potential for competitive hydrogen production, and the advantages of perfect competition to maximize the use of renewable energies, in contrast to Cournot's oligopoly, where the exercise of market power raises electricity prices. Sensitivity analyses highlight the importance of strategic decision-making in mitigating market inefficiencies, with valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers.

Offshore Wind Power Growth and Industrial Development in Emerging Markets

Offshore wind has developed significantly over the past decade, and promising new markets are emerging, such as Brazil, South Africa, India, Poland, and Turkey. As logistic transport activities increase complexities, developing regional supply chains can help to reduce costs and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. This article proposes a framework for the industrial development of the offshore wind supply chain in new markets. This study is grounded in a systematic literature review and is validated through a multi-case study, identifying key variables and factors influencing industrial growth. Adopting a process-based approach, factors and variables were modeled into a framework, encompassing the following four phases: (1) demand assessment of a new sector, (2) sectorial and industrial planning, (3) industrial development and maturity, and (4) sectorial and industrial renewal or decline. Each phase brings together a group of policies. Our findings show the policies’ interrelations. These results complement the few studies that have examined the industrial development process, providing a clear guide as to the process for the development of the offshore wind industry in specific regions. Thus, the framework provides elements that contribute as a valuable tool to the debate, structuring, and development of public policies for the industrial development of a new sector.

CAP, comprendre, agir et partager : une boite à outils made in Nouvelle Aquitaine pour accompagner les établissements dans leur transformation écologique

In the face of climate change, Health is mobilizing to find solutions and reduce its environmental impact. The CAP (Understand, Act and Share) sustainable hospital toolbox cited in the roadmap for the Ecological Planning of the French Health System offers 3 original, operational and complementary tools to (1) acculturate professionals in the sector (Plan Health Faire®), (2) build the establishment strategy (2030 Agenda), and (3) take action with healthcare professionals (The Sustainable Units program).

Charting the Course: A Policy Perspective on the Evolution of Kebbi State's Health Sector Annual Operational Planning

<i>Aim</i>: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Annual Operational Planning (AOP) process, a key health sector planning and harmonization approach, in Kebbi State, Nigeria, from 2020 to 2024, focusing on nine optimal planning parameters: state ownership, stakeholder participation, sector harmonization, evidence-based, timeliness, executive sign-off, quarterly tracking, dissemination, and sustainability. <i>Methods</i>: Review of AOP program reports, state-relevant reports, and stakeholders’ interviews. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative data derived from secondary sources like annual reports and policy documents with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Descriptive statistics and time-series analysis are used for quantitative data to study progress and trends in each milestone, while thematic analysis of interview transcripts helps to elucidate factors influencing implementation and outcomes. <i>Results:</i> Findings highlight a progressive improvement in the annual operational planning across several of the planning parameters over the years from the baseline in 2020, including in participatory engagement of the lower levels of the health sector (bottom-up approach), using evidence to inform planning; timely development of the AOP to inform health budget; and regular tracking of the plan. However, challenges persist in the government funding of stakeholders’ engagement, particularly the bottom-up approach at the Local Government Health Authorities (LGAs) level, which may affect the inclusiveness of the process in the future. <i>Conclusion</i>: The study concludes that the annual operational planning in Kebbi State has seen notable improvement across multiple planning parameters, assuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the process as a key planning tool. However, allocating adequate resources, including budget and human resources, to facilitate a participatory approach in the AOP development process is critical for continuous success. This study contributes to the broader discourse on health sector planning in developing contexts, offering valuable insights for policymakers, health managers, and stakeholders in designing and implementing effective and harmonized health plans.

Are we going towards an effective integration of air quality and climate planning? A comparative analysis for Italian regions

Climate change mitigation and adaptation along with air pollution are key challenges that require a comprehensive planning approach able to promote win-win strategies and avoid transferring environmental pressures from one sector to another. The joint approach is widely advocated at the policy level while the scientific research investigates the role of co-benefits in planning processes. A methodological framework was developed with the twofold aim of (i) assessing the current integration degree between regional Air Quality Plans and Climate Plans and (ii) providing useful hints for pursuing greater air-climate integration. Its application to the Italian case study provides useful policy implications for strengthening the role of co-benefits as drivers of planning processes. Results show that a greater air-climate integration can be achieved by enhancing the role of regional authorities in supporting the implementation of local-scale plans and actions. This is especially important in contexts where an integrated planning framework is lacking and the mainstreaming within sectoral sub-regional plans turns out to be crucial.

Remote Sensing Analysis of Smog-Inducing Aerosol Optical Depth: An Integrated Approach for Air Pollution Mitigation

Aerosol aggravation poses a significant challenge in the administrative Lahore Division of Punjab, Pakistan and contributes greatly to the persistent issue of smog. Since 2017, the division has experienced recurrent episodes of smog pollution, most notably in the months of October and November. In the present study, aerosol optical depth (AOD) has been analyzed alongside three metrological parameters: temperature, humidity and rainfall. These were tracked in October and November of 2018, 2020, and 2022 using remote sensing data and satellite imaging. Additionally, anthropogenic emissions data from automobile exhaust, industries and stubble burning were derived from secondary sources. Ultimately, the study helped piece together the complex environmental picture in Lahore Division in October and November. The results showed that AOD levels not only increased during this time, they were significantly influenced by a full range of metrological variables such as low temperature, high relative humidity, lack of rainfall and emissions from a variety of human activities. It was found that trucks, tractors and buses were among the worst contributors, alongside industry and stubble burning. Therefore, the present study suggests multi sectoral plans to mitigate aerosol levels and combat the smog menace, promoting environmental sustainability in the Lahore Division. A full set of recommendation is included, divided into three categories: industry, transport and agriculture. These are focused on technology, control systems, disposal, incentives, green solutions and more. At all levels, commitment, collaboration, and coordination are absolutely vital.

Acceptance of artificial intelligence in education: opportunities, concerns and need for action

The spread of AI text generators such as ChatGPT in education has reached an enormous reach in a short period, which has led to various questions regarding the acceptance of artificial intelligence among teachers and student teachers. This study examines the acceptance of AI among teachers and student teachers. In particular, it considers crucial aspects for planning teaching and teacher training. The results show that despite fundamentally positive attitudes towards AI applications, there are concerns regarding data ethics and legal standards. The correlation between the intention to use AI and trust in AI is significant. The findings should help gain a more comprehensive understanding of the acceptance of AI in the education sector and help teachers plan training and further education accordingly.

An energy system model-based approach to investigate cost-optimal technology mixes for the Cuban power system to meet national targets

Cuba's power supply is characterized by the dependence on imported oil, outdated power plants and frequent power curtailment. Cuba's government aims at changing this situation through the National Economic and Social Development Plan, which targets a renewable share of 37 % in 2030. In the longer term, the Cuban government has already acknowledged the goal of 100 % renewable electricity supply. This work reviews the current ambitions of the Cuban government and provides a scientific approach to identifying the most cost-effective 100 % renewable energy system in 2030. First, we study whether the generation mix proposed by the Cuban government to reach 37 % renewables is the most cost-effective. Second, we run a simulation that considers fossil and renewable energy technologies purely to optimize costs. Third, we investigate the renewable future for Cuba with a simulation under the constraint of a 100 % renewable energy share. Our results suggest that energy sector plans should be reconsidered from a techno-economic point of view: With the overall cost-optimization, we find that much higher renewable energy shares of over 80 % are possible at lower overall costs. Finally, we analyze that the cost viability of a 100 % renewable electricity depends largely on the ability to use Cuba's biomass resources to balance solar generation.

Assessment of bioenergy plant locations using a GIS-MCDA approach based on spatio-temporal stability maps of agricultural and livestock byproducts: A case study

Addressing the global challenge of energy sustainability and global directives on farming emissions, the United Nations, the European Union, and China have led with strict targets for clean energy, renewable share growth, and carbon neutrality, highlighting a commitment to collective sustainability. This work is situated within the ambit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advocating for a transition towards renewable energy sources. With substantial and accessible bioenergy resources, notably in Hubei Province, China, biogas technology has emerged as an emission-cutting solution. This research, focused on the Jianghan Plain, employs an integrated approach combining spatial analyses with machine learning tools to evaluate crop yield stability over two decades, with the aim of maximising the biogas yield from agricultural byproducts, i.e., crop straw and livestock manure. Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), which is informed by grey-based DEMATEL, 9 constraints and 13 environmental, social, and economic criteria were assessed to identify optimal sites for biogas facilities. The findings underscore the significant bioenergy potential of agricultural byproducts from the plain of 6.3 × 1012 kJ/year at an 11.4 kJ/m2 density. Stability analyses revealed consistent biomass availability, with rice in Gongan and Shayang and wheat in Jiangling being the primary contributors. Through the MCDA, 45–66 optimal biogas plants were identified across 4 critical counties (Zhongxiang, Shangyang, Jingshan, and Yichen), balancing the energy supply and demand under various stable scenarios. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the criticality of moderate biomass stability for stakeholder consensus and identified areas of high stability essential for energy demand fulfilment. Theoretically, this study offers a practical model for bioenergy resource exploitation that aligns with global sustainability and carbon neutrality goals to address the urgent need for renewable energy solutions amidst the global energy crisis. Practically, this study sets a precedent for policy and planning in environmental, agricultural, and renewable sectors, signifying a step forwards in achieving environmental sustainability and an energy-efficient future.

Can the UK Deliver Zero Carbon Ready Homes by 2050?

Climate change presents one of the most significant challenges facing the world in the 21st century. In 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass laws to end its contribution to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions; parliament passed legislation requiring the UK government to achieve its carbon neutrality commitment by 2050. This will require all industries, including the housing sector, which currently contributes around 14% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce their carbon emission contribution. One of the ways in which the housing sector plans to accomplish this is through delivering new zero carbon ready homes by 2050, at the latest. This study makes an innovative contribution to advancing the field of carbon neutral construction through its identification of the barriers to the UK in regards to their ability to deliver zero carbon homes (ZCH) and the provision of potential recommendations to overcome these barriers. To achieve this, a mixed-review method is used, combining a qualitative systematic analysis and a quantitative bibliometric approach. Several key barriers were identified and assigned to following key themes: legislative, socio-cultural, economic, financial, skills and knowledge, technical, industrial, environmental, and procurement factors. Legislative obstacles were found to be a primary barrier due to a lack of certainty, clarity, and clear definitions, as well as the removal and excess of government policies. Significantly, the findings reveal the under-researched impact of recent disruptive events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and economic factors in the UK, opening up novel avenues for exploring their implications. Overall, this study advances industry understanding and highlights innovative directions necessary to propel the sector towards realizing the UK’s legally-binding 2050 net zero target through the development of zero carbon ready homes.

Советская экономика в годы хрущевской оттепели: дерзость реформ и противоречивость реализации

This article delves into the peculiarities of the economic development of the USSR during the years 1953–1964. It illustrates Nikita Khrushchev's endeavor as a political leader to enact economic transformations in the country in line with his ideological course of de-Stalinization and relative liberalization. It argues that the absence of a pragmatic economic strategy based on the actual state of affairs in the country led to the implementation of inconsistent reforms, primarily focused on organizational and administrative changes. Economic decisions during the Khrushchev Thaw, including the abolition of sectoral planning, introduction of egalitarian wage systems, nationalization of industrial cooperatives, and transition to a territorial principle of economic management, were conceived as bold innovative reforms but failed to consider the actual conditions and accumulated historical experience, leading to a crisis in the industrial sector. In conclusion, the economic policies pursued during the Khrushchev Thaw exemplify the challenges of implementing bold reforms without a pragmatic understanding of the prevailing economic conditions. The crisis in the industrial sector underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making and historical context in shaping effective economic strategies.

Digitalization trends and expectations in Ukraine from a European perspective

Abstract This paper examines the comprehensive digital transformation initiatives undertaken by the Government of Ukraine between 2020 and 2025, focusing on policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and strategic planning in various sectors. Through legislative measures and infrastructure projects, Ukraine has positioned itself as a leader in digital innovation, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) integration. The adoption of AI technologies across education, economics, cybersecurity, defense, public administration, and legal regulation demonstrates a concerted effort to modernize and optimize key aspects of governance and economic activity. Furthermore, Ukraine’s collaboration with European institutions and participation in initiatives such as the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) and the Digital Europe program highlight its commitment to aligning with European standards and fostering international cooperation. The paper also discusses the role of international support, particularly from the European Union and USAID, in bolstering Ukraine’s digital resilience and innovation ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships and domestic initiatives, Ukraine aims to harness the potential of digital technologies for economic growth, societal advancement, and resilience against emerging threats.

Impact of Climate Change on the Environment: A Synthesis Study

Climate change has a significant impact on both physical and social components of the environment. Every component of the environment has been suffering the impacts of climate change. All components of the environment are interrelated through the exchanging of energy and matter; hence they actively interact. Major components of the environment like the biosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere are open systems to impact climate change. This paper describes the major impacts of climate change on major components of the environment. This study investigated the current state, wide-range global research trends, and different concerns on the impacts of climate change on the sustainable tourism. Global climate change represents a grand challenge for society, one that is increasingly influencing tourism sector investment, planning, operations, and demand. This study synthesized a total of 36 studies on climate change by sourcing published material from the review that was performed in indexed databases namely Dimensions, Web Science, Elsevier Scopus, and Google Scholar. Therefore, the study found that human beings are the major contributors to climate change through anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions that worsened during the Green Revolution. Climate change outcomes through the loss of valuable ecosystem goods and services, degrading the most of keystone species sites. In other ways, loss of biodiversity, changes in atmospheric composition, changes in chemical reactions in soil, changes in water quality, availability, and hydrologic cycles, and frequent occurrence of extreme weather conditions. Of course! The effects of climate change are wide-ranging and diverse, impacting many areas and facets of daily life. Therefore, this study recommends implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to internalize the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and enforcing stringent environmental regulations and standards to limit emissions and pollution. Support global efforts and agreements to combat climate change, such as the Paris Agreement.

Bias Correction of Monthly Precipitation from different General Circulation Models Using Cumulative Density Function in Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, India

Accurate representation of precipitation patterns is crucial for understanding and adapting to these impacts. General Circulation Models (GCMs) are essential for projecting future climate scenarios but often exhibit biases in simulating precipitation, undermining the reliability of their outputs. This study focused on bias correction of monthly precipitation data from different GCMs using Cumulative Density Functions (CDFs). Bias correction techniques were employed to align model-simulated precipitation with observed data, revealing significant improvements in the accuracy of future precipitation projections. The study area, Raipur, characterized by diverse topography, served as the location for analysis. Three GCMs were selected based on their availability and participation in the CMIP6 experiment. The bias correction process involved the calculation of CDFs and equiprobability transformations, resulting in a closer match between model predictions and observations. Results showed substantial variability in monthly precipitation values across different climate models and scenarios, with distinct seasonal patterns observed. Inter-model discrepancies underscored the complexities of precipitation simulations, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of model outputs. Continued research efforts were crucial for improving the accuracy and reliability of climate model simulations for informed decision-making and planning in climate-sensitive sectors.

Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Sectoral Plans: An Assessment Based on the Logical Framework Approach

Although climate change adaptation (CCA) and spatial planning are relevant to promoting climate resilience, Italy shows a certain lack of studies focused on the coherence between national CCA objectives and sectoral plans. We aim to investigate such a research gap and propose and apply a logical framework approach (LFA)-based method to assess the coherence of sectoral plans adopted in Sardinia (Italy) with the missions of the Italian National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NCCAP). We apply LFA to analytically scrutinize sectoral plans by reconstructing their strategic framework—including objectives and actions—and comparing them to the CCA objectives established by the NCCAP. The purpose is to provide the regional administrations with a methodological approach and tangible findings, suggesting the need for updating plans lacking CCA contents and contributing to the drafting or updating of the regional strategy for CCA. The method adopted in this study allowed us to identify plan objectives and actions that fully or partially integrate NCCAP objectives. Then, plans partially (or not at all) consistent with the NCCAP can be integrated with CCA contents. This is relevant to promoting climate resilience issues in plans that have clear effects in terms of spatial, landscape, and urban planning, according to different governance levels.

Blighted properties:

A blighted property is a property that has deteriorated, is vacant, has been abandoned, or has been foreclosed. This occurs when property depreciates over time due to neglect or damage. The study examines the factors contributing to vacancy and unutilised state-owned properties under the custodianship of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). Most of the Department's properties are older than 100 years. Some of the vacant and underutilised properties are susceptible to theft, vandalism, vagrancy, and illegal occupation. Furthermore, maintenance on these properties has been lacking. The cost to the State of maintaining vacant buildings without any return on investment, continuous municipal payments, and security for safekeeping necessitates a discussion of strategies to address this problem. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to 105 DPWI employees responsible for managing vacant properties and ensuring their welfare. The relative importance of the contributing factors was quantified by the relative importance index method. According to the findings, external factors like poor public sector planning and policy are the most significant factors influencing vacancy in State-owned properties. In addition to that, there are challenges related to regulation, framework, and policy under the management of assets, as well as internal issues indicating weak procurement.