Value Of Project Research Articles

Study on the Methods of Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Beams with CFRP

After the long-term use of reinforced concrete structures, there may be structural aging and structural damage, these common engineering problems. As a result, the performance is reduced, so it is necessary to strengthen to meet the corresponding safety requirements. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has the advantages of lightweight, strong, high tensile strength and tensile degree. Therefore, CFRP is widely used in reinforcement. Based on CFRP reinforcement of reinforced concrete beams, this paper analyzes its reinforcement methods. The paper mainly analyzes the influence of different pasting methods of CFRP on the performance of beams and the influence of material pasting thickness on beams. Through the analysis and research, it can be concluded that CFRP has certain advantages compared with traditional reinforcement materials. Therefore, it can be used to reinforce reinforced concrete beams. This study can provide some reference value for some related projects of reinforced concrete beams reinforced by CFRP.

Developing a new procurement model, using behavioural economics, to enable continuous improvement of productivity and better value in large UK infrastructure projects.

Global construction has been blighted by productivity inertia caused by behavioural bias for decades. While other industry sector productivity has grown more than fifteen-fold since 1960, construction has stagnated with no more than a seven to ten percent overall growth. McKinsey Global Institute’s report Reinventing Construction: A Route to Higher Productivity, reported infrastructure construction amongst a small group of outperforming market sub-sectors at 15 to 20 percent. This paper, which charts the development of a unique procurement model designed for high productivity, builds on that performance using behavioural insights to counter damaging and habitual biases. The new model changes trading relationships using a nudged ‘opt-out’ contract structure creating a different responsibility dynamic between client and supplier. A recognisable but different infrastructure construction procurement model to improve productivity using recognised behavioural economics and construction economics. Highways England was set up to run England’s strategic road network in 2015. The procurement model that resulted, Regional Delivery Partnerships can be refined for any infrastructure sector construction environment and sets up a key step forward in contracting based on integrated project delivery. Using a combination of counter bias strategies built from loss aversion and nudge theory this new construction procurement model uses ‘opt-out’ from lean construction to drive higher productivity. By setting up an integrator, to create an integrated project team, Regional Delivery Partnerships uses loss aversion as the motivational key to better innovation. It empowers the integrator to counter uniqueness bias and find and eradicate waste (process time and money) to enhance productivity. Reward is aligned to both optimised efficient design and high productivity working. As 100% of budget underspend can be kept rewarding the integrator, the potential of not achieving this triggers loss aversion and motivates change using the principles of escalation of commitment in favour of the client. Performance data is also used to motivate using reduced acquisition costs from secondary competition, long held as an inefficient market overhead.Using recognised pragmatic academic techniques, and constructionism; choice architectures were remodelled into a new outcome and value focused procurement model. Using applied research, the team used processes and techniques to develop, build, test, and deploy the model in open market competition. It can be used by any infrastructure sector construction client to replicate a sector specific version of Regional Delivery Partnerships that changes trading choice architecture towards higher productivity.

CONDUCTING COMMUNITY-BASED GERONTOLOGY PROJECTS IN UNDERGRADUATE CLASSROOMS: CAPSTONE CASE STUDIES

Abstract Collaborations between university-level students and community-based organizations have long shown to be mutually beneficial in that they can address pressing community needs, advance the mission of the organization, and enhance the learning of students. In this presentation, I describe project collaborations between a non-profit volunteer caregiving organization based in Ventura County (“Caregivers”) and Health Science undergraduate students (N = 76) enrolled in Capstone courses at California State University Channel Islands between 2022-2023. Projects were designed utilizing a community-based approach wherein the community partner (“Caregivers”) played an active and central role in determining project goals and outcomes. Four projects, each addressing and/or serving a specific need, were completed by different Capstone sections: (1) the creation of an online governance training program to educate high school and university students on the basics of leadership in nonprofits which serve older adults; (2) the creation of a series of videos to educate on and advocate for volunteer caregiving; (3) the analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data to evaluate the experiences and satisfaction levels of local volunteer caregivers and care recipients; and (4) the creation of a toolkit to be used by volunteer caregiving organizations implementing community meal delivery programs for older adults. In this presentation, I detail each project along with their major successes and challenges as assessed through personal observation, feedback provided by the community partner, and student reflections. I conclude with discussing best practices in implementing community-based projects in undergraduate settings and describe the value of such projects across all stakeholders.

The impact of northern red oak (Quercus rubra; Fagaceae) on the forest phytodiversity in Ukraine

The impact of Quercus rubra on the plant diversity of native forests of Ukraine has been investigated. The plant communities of artificial plantations dominated by northern red oak have such general features as poor species composition, with projective coverage values of other species not exceeding 5%, and a simplified vertical structure of the tree layers. In natural forest plant communities with the participation of Q. rubra, there are no rare and typical nemoral dominant species, which results in disruption of consortial relations in ecosystems. Such changes are due to the biological and ecological peculiarities of this species, in particular, its dense crown, abundant biomass of leaves, which reduces lighting, and allelopathic properties; all those factors affect the physical and chemical characteristics of biotopes. Quercus rubra artificial plantations are more adaptive to changes of natural conditions and are able to withstand harsher winters and lack of precipitation. The ecological amplitude of this species is wide, and even with an increase in the average annual temperature by 3 °C most of the ecological indicators do not go beyond the optimum zone of the species, except for the soil moisture and thermal regime. The amplitudes of main indicators of ecological factors of temperate forests and Q. rubra artificial plantations overlap. The dominance of Q. rubra reduces the quality of ecosystem services of native forests. The high competitive advantages of Q. rubra are the reason for the impossibility of natural restoration of the typical broad-leaved or coniferous forests on those land plots where they were replaced by artificial plantations of northern red oak or its tree layers were formed as the results of the spontaneous distribution of this species. In the successions, the communities with the participation of northern red oak are potentially able to replace the native forest phytocoenoses.

PERCEPTIONS OR MISPERCEPTIONS: CHINA PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC)

Public views are essential, particularly when it comes to large-scale development initiatives like CPEC, which have the potential to change the socioeconomic and political climate of a nation comprised of more than 200 million individuals. This paper focuses on the perceptions of CPEC among the media in a virtual world. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of media handling, that is, the positive or negative image of CPEC. The media reports gathered indicate that the majority of Pakistanis consider CPEC a valuable project for Pakistan and regard China as a more reliable, friendly nation than the US, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran (Awais et al., 2019). However, there are dissenting views readily floating in the country regarding the nature of Pak-China relations, where the media also refers to the amity between China and Pakistan as being "interest-based." It suggests that the educated Pakistani public's support for China is motivated by pragmatism rather than sentiment and that the states' claim that their relationship is "sweeter than honey, higher than the mountains" should be considered pragmatically. The development of the project's perception management strategy for the two concerned nations will benefit from an analysis of how this project is perceived on social media by various societal groups (Akhtar et al., 2021)

Enhancing Project Management for SMEs: A Hybrid Approach

Objective: South Africa's economic growth and development are closely intertwined with government-prioritized infrastructure development projects. However, SMEs in this sector often grapple with insufficient project management processes, impeding their efficacy and economic contributions. The issue stems from the inadequate implementation of project management methodologies by SMEs, which adversely affects project outcomes and consequently their economic impact. Research Design & Methods: A literature review was conducted to assess the implementation of project management methodologies by SMEs in South African infrastructure development projects. The objective is to highlight areas for improvement, rectify the deficiency in project management practices among SMEs, and bolster their effectiveness and economic contributions. Findings: Preliminary findings accentuate the critical role of project management as a discipline for SMEs involved in infrastructure projects. Its absence or inadequate implementation hampers the growth and sustainability of organizations aiming to make substantial economic contributions and create employment. A hybrid project management model tailored for SMEs in infrastructure development emerges as a mechanism for effectively managing infrastructure projects. Implications and Recommendations: The conceptualization of a hybrid project management model for infrastructure development projects holds the potential to enhance project value by facilitating adaptability. By incorporating agile project management components, this model also stands to improve client engagement, consequently elevating the prospects of success in infrastructure development projects. Contribution & Value Added: This study contributes to the understanding of how SMEs can improve their effectiveness and economic contributions in South Africa's infrastructure development sector. The proposed hybrid project management model offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers in South Africa, ultimately fostering economic development and sustainable growth in the country.

VALUE-ORIENTED MANAGEMENT OF DIGITALIZATION IN HIGH-TECH PROJECTS

As organizations increasingly embrace digitalization to enhance their operations and competitiveness, high-tech projects play a pivotal role in driving innovation and technological advancements. This paper explores the significance of value-oriented management in the context of digitalization within high-tech projects. The research focuses on understanding how organizations can effectively leverage digital technologies to create value, mitigate risks, and optimize project outcomes. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on principles from project management, technology management, and strategic management. It investigates the integration of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and data analytics, into high-tech projects and assesses their impact on project value creation. Through a comprehensive review of literature, case studies, and interviews with industry experts, the paper identifies key success factors and challenges associated with managing digitalization in high-tech projects. The concept of value-oriented management is examined in depth, emphasizing the need for a holistic framework that aligns project goals with organizational objectives. The paper introduces a model for value assessment, encompassing both tangible and intangible aspects, to guide decisionmakers in evaluating the effectiveness of digitalization efforts in high-tech projects. Furthermore, the research explores the role of leadership, organizational culture, and stakeholder engagement in fostering a value-oriented approach to digitalization. It highlights the importance of creating a conducive environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and adaptability to navigate the dynamic landscape of hightech projects. The findings of this study contribute to the theoretical understanding of value-oriented management in the context of digitalization within high-tech projects. Practical implications and recommendations are provided for project managers, executives, and policymakers seeking to enhance the success of digital initiatives in the high-tech sector. Ultimately, the paper aims to provide insights that can guide organizations in maximizing the value derived from their digitalization efforts in the rapidly evolving landscape of high-tech projects.

The guiding value of the cinematic volume rendering technique in the preoperative diagnosis of brachial plexus schwannoma.

This study aimed to explore and compare the guiding value of Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) and Cinematic Volume Rendering Technique (cVRT) in the preoperative diagnosis of brachial plexus schwannomas. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 45 patients diagnosed with brachial plexus schwannomas at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2020 and December 2022. The enhanced three-dimensional short recovery time inversion-recovery fast spin-echo imaging (3D-STIR-SPACE) sequence served as source data for the reconstruction of MIP and cVRT. Two independent observers scored the image quality and evaluated the location of the tumor and the relationship between the tumor and the brachial plexus. The image quality scores of the two reconstruction methods were compared using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the consistency between the image and surgical results was assessed using the weighted kappa. Compared to MIP images, cVRT images had a better performance of overall image quality (p < 0.001), nerve and lump visualization (p < 0.001), spatial positional relationship conspicuity (p < 0.001), and diagnostic confidence (p < 0.001). Additionally, the consistency between the cVRT image results and surgical results (kappa =0.913, P<0.001) was higher than that of the MIP images (kappa =0.829, P<0.001). cVRT provides a high guiding value in the preoperative diagnosis of brachial plexus schwannomas and is an important basis for formulating surgical plans.

A Projection Pursuit Dynamic Cluster Model for Tourism Safety Early Warning and Its Implications for Sustainable Tourism

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism promotes sustainable economic development. Ensuring tourism safety is an essential prerequisite for its sustainable development. In this paper, based on the three evaluation index systems for tourism safety early warning and the collected sample data, we establish three projection pursuit dynamic cluster (PPDC) models by applying group search optimization, a type of swarm intelligence algorithm. Based on case studies, it is confirmed that the results derived from the PPDC models are consistent with the expert judgments. The importance of the evaluation indicators can be sorted and classified according to the obtained optimal projection pursuit vector coefficients, and the tourism risks of the destinations can be ranked according to the sample projection values. Among the three aspects influencing tourism safety in case one, the stability of the tourism destination has the most significant impact, followed by the frequency of disasters. Of the ten evaluation indicators, the frequency of epidemic disease affects tourism safety the most, and the unemployment ratio affects it the second most. Overall, the PPDC model can be adopted for tourism safety early warning with high-dimensional non-linear and non-normal distribution data modeling, as it overcomes the “curse of dimensionality” and the limitations associated with small sample sizes.

ANALISIS NILAI HASIL TERHADAP WAKTU MENGGUNAKAN SOFTWARE MICROSOFT PROJECT (STUDI KASUS PADA PROYEK PEMBANGUNAN KONSTRUKSI GEDUNG KANTOR KPU KABUPATEN MAJALENGKA)

The rapid of economic growth in Indonesia, of course, accompanied by the increasing public demand for construction projects. Each project has a different goal, in the implementation of the General Election Commission Office Building Construction Project which is planned for 143 calendar days, namely in the period 10th August 2020 to 31st December 2020 by the Contractor PT. Kalimasada Zahraa Jaya with a project value of Rp. 4.306.705.600,- In the process of achieving these goals, a good construction management is needed so that the project is in accordance with the plan. In this case, the Earned Value Analysis method is used to determine if there is a discrepancy in the implementation of the project. The data analysis process uses Microsoft Project software for project scheduling and human resource allocation for each element of work effectively and efficiently. The data analyzed include presenting S curve graph data, calculating the schedule variance "SV" and SPI values from the BCWP and BCWS data values every week or cumulatively to produce the actual project duration and the remaining total duration. From the results of the "EVA" method in the 20th week, the comulative EV value of Rp. 4,306,705,600, which shows that the costs incurred to complete the project are in accordance to the plan. The resulting SV figure is + Rp 20,499,919,- which means that the completion of the work is faster than the plan and the SPI value is 1,005, the project implementation performance is better than the schedule planning ahead of the plan.

A Practical Exploration of Variable Evaluation Methods in Student-Centered Projects

This study examines important aspects of student-centered projects in an educational setting using descriptive statistical analysis. This study looked into the characteristics of the students, the project design, the learning environment, and the degree of student engagement. The results showed that student participation ranged from moderate to high, demonstrating the value of student-centered projects. The majority of the sampled students were visual learners, which highlights the necessity for educational practices that can accommodate a variety of learning styles. Examining project designs allows for variation and motivates thinking about methods that work in a variety of educational settings. The necessity for a thorough investigation of the factors affecting student involvement in the learning environment is shown by the delayed accounting for these variables. A comparison with earlier studies reveals both similarities and differences, such as the enhanced results that come from a high level of student engagement and the adaptability of project design. The aforementioned findings add significance to the current discourse around student-centered education by highlighting the necessity for additional investigation to expand upon our comprehension of the multifaceted elements influencing student involvement and the efficacy of student-centered initiatives.

Economic analysis of the feller buncher in Brazilian Eucalyptus plantations: modeling with time series

ABSTRACTIn the context of increased demand for timber, forest managers must consider best practices in forest management and harvesting operations. Depending on the harvesting systems adopted, the uncertainties of the cost components may reflect the volatility of productivity and the expected value of the project. We investigated whether the uncertainties of the cost components have an influence on the productivity volatility and the expected value of the mechanized timber harvesting investment project with a feller buncher. Monthly feller buncher productivity volatilities were measured based on the absolute value of the percentage variation in the deviation of the cost and productivity components. We modeled productivity and cost components using geometric Brownian motion to estimate project value. Productivity showed a strong positive correlation with the cost components of economic depreciation, supervisor labor, fuel, and operator labor. Lubricating oil and economic depreciation were the most volatile cost components. Considering the deterministic economic analysis, the net present value was USD 3,849,619. When considering the probabilistic economic analysis, the average net present value was USD 187,319 ± USD 1,275,033. We verified that economic depreciation and fuel influenced feller buncher productivity. The uncertainties of these components affect the economic viability of the feller buncher in Eucalyptus plantations.

Expansion decision making of waste-to-energy combined heat and power project: A growth option perspective

Combined heat and power is an inevitable trend in the development of waste-to-power industry. Many waste incineration power generation projects that have already put into operation in China are waiting for transition and upgrading to combined heat and power projects. From a growth option perspective, this paper considers the irreversible process and uncertainty in economic benefits, introduces carbon emission trading mechanism and develops the growth option theory to design the expansion decision making model of waste-to-energy combined heat and power projects, so as to obtain the project value and find the optimal expansion timing. In this paper, a case study is carried out on the expansion decision making of a waste-to-energy combined heat and power project in Shandong Province in China. And two scenarios with specific and flexible expansion times are developed from European and American options separately, as European options require investors to expand at a certain time but American options not. The results indicate that 1) real option approach successfully improves the project value through considering uncertainty, and American option can achieve the optimal expansion time, 2) under the carbon emission trading mechanism, the carbon price affects the expansion index, which has a positive effect on the project value, 3) the linear nature of the income and cost expansion index can help investors make judgments on expansion investments. The effectiveness of the case study implies the practicality of the expansion option method for similar projects to reach dual carbon targets in cost and benefit analysis.

Organic acid and sugar components accumulation and flavor associated metabolites dynamic changes in yellow- and white-fleshed seedless loquats (Eriobotrya japonica)

Triploid loquats are divided into yellow- and white-fleshed cultivars. To better understand taste variations in triploid loquat fruits, we used a UPLC-ESI-QTRAP-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomic analysis to examine the metabolic composition of two different color fleshed triploid loquats with a sample size of 54 and external validation method within a confidence level of P＜0.05. We identified key flavor-related differentially accumulated metabolites using the variable importance in projection (VIP) value (VIP ≥ 1.0) and fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5. Furthermore, the results of the HPLC analysis showed that white-fleshed loquats had a low malic acid content. We also performed the UPLC-MS/MS system to investigate the carotenoids contents and lipidome in four triploid cultivars. In the fruits of white-fleshed varieties, the carotenoids contents were significantly downregulated, but the contents of most glycerolphospholipids were increased. Our results reveal the metabolomic changes between the yellow- and white-fleshed cultivars.

The valuation of real options for risky barrier to entry with hybrid stochastic and local volatility and stochastic investment costs

Real options are a type of investment choice that supports decision-makers in making better strategic management decisions while simultaneously reducing uncertainty in investments. This study presents a new model to help investors flexibly handle uncertain investment environments. First, we adopt a hybrid stochastic and local volatility model to efficiently describe the uncertain effects of the external environment on the project value in decision-making cases. Second, we set the investment cost (or sunk cost) as a geometric Brownian motion (GBM) to illustrate the opportunity costs that originating from discarding alternatives to invest in complex decision-making circumstances. We derive partial differential equations (PDEs) for the value of real options, and then use asymptotic analysis to obtain analytical solutions. Additionally, we analyze the price accuracy of the approximate formulas compared with that of the solutions obtained from a Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, we investigate the numerical effects of various parameters related to stochastic volatility on real options to observe their economic implications.

Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of Gingival Tissue in Patients with Severe Periodontitis.

The purpose of this study was to determine potential metabolic biomarkers and therapeutic drugs in the gingival tissue of individuals with periodontitis. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyze the gingival tissue samples from 20 patients with severe periodontitis and 20 healthy controls. Differential metabolites were identified using variable important in projection (VIP) values from the orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) model and then verified for significance between groups using a two-tailed Student's t test. In total, 65 metabolites were enriched in 33 metabolic pathways, with 40 showing a significant increase and 25 expressing a significant decrease. In addition, it was found that patients with severe periodontitis have abnormalities in metabolic pathways, such as glucose metabolism, purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and so on. Furthermore, based on a multidimensional analysis, 12 different metabolites may be the potential biomarkers of severe periodontitis. The experiment's raw data have been uploaded to the MetaboLights database, and the project number is MTBLS8357. Moreover, osteogenesis differentiation characteristics were detected in the selected metabolites. The findings may provide a basis for the study of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic metabolites in severe periodontitis.

Assessment of Fee Variability among Built Environment Professionals in South Africa: A Comparative Analysis

Project success has often been impacted by varying factors, such as conflict arising from managing stakeholders’ remuneration, especially bordering on the scale of fees. This paper delves into the intricate landscape of fee variability among built environment professionals in South Africa. By scrutinizing the most recent available data, this research sheds light on the nuanced fee structures prevalent in the industry. To conduct this investigation, a comparative analysis of fee scales across various professions in South Africa was performed. This research employed historical project cost data extracted from an extensive dataset, encompassing project values, fees, and fee percentages for diverse professions involved in projects from 2014 to 2022. This study revealed that low scale levels are associated with poor performance and lead to conditions and attitudes that pose dangers for consultants. This study provides strategies for a firm’s resilience and adaptability in the face of the dynamics associated with fees.

Differential analysis of volatiles in five types of mosquito-repellent products by chemometrics combined with headspace GC-Orbitrap HRMS nontargeted detection

This paper reports a method for the differential analysis of volatile chemical components in five novel types of mosquito-repellent products based on chemometrics combined with headspace gas chromatography-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (HS-GC-Orbitrap HRMS) nontargeted screening. A total of 358 unknown substances were detected in 30 samples under specific headspace conditions. Through principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis, 36 significantly different substances with variable importance in the projection values greater than 1 were further screened, and these substances were accurately identified by GC-Orbitrap HRMS. Most substances were found for the first time in mosquito-repellent products. The clustered heat map, Venn diagram and peak area histogram showed that the mosquito-repellent products had similar volatile composition, and the volatile species and content of different types of mosquito-repellent products significantly varied. Substances, such as eucalyptol, d-limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, dl-menthol and methyl salicylate, may be the main sources of odour in mosquito-repellent products. This work explored the characteristic volatile components in mosquito-repellent products and comparatively analysed the chemical composition of different types of products. It can be generalised to consumer products as a case study and has positive implications for promoting product quality and safety and improving production processes.

Demystifying the dynamic link between project value and design team networks: A socio-technical lean management framework

ABSTRACT Construction projects are complex networks of people with various backgrounds, perceptions, objectives, and dynamically changing project value expectations. Attaining common project objectives that satisfy all stakeholders’ value propositions requires collaboration whether formally or informally. Although the need for collaborative approaches on projects seems like an intuitive thought, the actual foundations and drivers needed to achieve effective implementation of a collaborative and value-based environment are usually plagued with hurdles. Moreover, previous research work and common industry practices remain mostly focused on the ‘product’ or technical end of the project while marginalizing the human-centric processes that can make or break the project. This research aims to help project managers attain higher value on projects through analyzing and managing the social context of project teams. Specifically, this research investigates the links between design team communications and project value performance as well as analyzing the evolving dynamics of value and network structures. Data analytics was used to reveal a potential correlation between the communication structures of project teams and value fulfilment on projects. Findings revealed that the inherent social dynamics and social network composition can reflect the team’s reported level of fulfilling value on projects. Such structures affect a team's ability to effectively exchange knowledge and coordinate design tasks. The research's contribution lies in introducing a sociotechnical approach for delivering value on projects through developing value-based social networks that help improve design communications and presenting a reproducible framework that enables teams to advance and align value propositions among different stakeholders.

Bi-objective Optimization for Resource-constrained Robust Construction Project Scheduling

Construction projects are often executed in complex environments, and various uncertain factors (e.g., bad weather, machine breakdown) prolong activity duration in practice, which may cause project completion delays or profit reduction. Moreover, previous studies often optimized net present value or robustness in project scheduling separately, they neglected the linkage between the value of obtaining NPV and the capacity of tackling uncertainties in a project schedule. To achieve optimal profit and enhance the stability of a project schedule simultaneously, this study proposes a bi-objective optimization for resource-constrained robust construction project scheduling problem (RCRCPSP), which aims at optimizing NPV and robustness, and builds a bi-objective optimization model for the RCRCPSP based on five typical cash flow models. Then an ε-constraints procedure embedded with a genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The ε-constraints procedure performs better than the multi-objective genetic algorithm proposed by the previous study through case study. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that a trade-off relationship exists between NPV and robustness, and cash flow models have little impact on robustness, while the relaxed deadline can improve a project schedule with high robustness. The fruits of this study can help contractors balance the NPV and the robustness in an indeterministic environment.