No / Retrospective sensemaking is used to determine how and why rework in offshore hydrocarbon projects occurred. Staff from organizations operating at the blunt end (e.g., clients/design engineers providing finance and information) and those at the sharp end (e.g., contractors at the “coalface”) of a project's supply chain were interviewed to make sense of the rework that occurred. The analysis identified the need for managers to de-emphasize an environment that prioritizes production over other considerations and instead systematically examine mechanisms and factors that shape people's performance. Limitations of the research and the implications for managerial practice are also identified.

Yes / University lecturers are required to undertake teaching and also to produce high quality papers for REF. This can be a very hard situation, especially for early career researchers. They always face the diplomas of no starting-up funding and no man power to start a new research area. This could be very challenging. Apart from constantly pursing funding and establishing collaboration, I integrated student research projects teaching into my own research. I summarise main points which help me to achieve. 1) Designing a multidisciplinary project. Research informed teaching is the key to success. Based on my own research plan, I designed interdisciplinary project to attract students with particular attention to decompose comprehensive research proposal into small parts which is achievable within students’ ability and time scale. For example, in the past two years I designed a series projects for final year undergraduates and MSc students based on my own projects of “interaction of nanoparticle with cell membrane”. Within these projects, students will have chance to expose themselves to research. For example, students will be able to explore new research area of nanotechnology, especially on nanoparticles; basic biological lab skills like cell culture, treating cells with toxins; and physiological implication of nanoparticles interacting with human body etc. These greatly inspire students thinking. At the meantime, giving student freedom and full supervision allow them to be successful. Through carefully supervision I am confident that I could get preliminary data from students’ experiments for my grant application. 2) Integrating resources to exert full. I deliberately arranged students at different levels to join in my own project at different stages. For example, final year undergraduate projects starts from Oct every year and last till March, then MSc project starts from Feb every year and last till August. I also apply for small funds to have summer students from July to Sept. Therefore I can always have students doing some experiment in the lab. The budgets from student projects are really good boost and supplementary for my own project. There is also a consistency in the projects to avoid waste and unnecessary repeat. I included students in materials, equipment preparation and explained key updated skills to increase students’ passion and to inform them of how to start a new topic from scratch. 3) Setting high standard to achieve. I continuously encourage students to achieve. It would be great to have someone who can work through whole period of your new research proposal. I particularly encourage students to design experiments, to deliver ideas, to write scientific reports for conference, and even to draft paper for submission. This would not only help students for their future career but also help myself to quickly build up my own research. It is hard process but worth.

Several studies about stress have been conducted in different disciplines. However, little attention has been given to studying stress among IT professionals in Sweden despite increasing concern about mental health in the workplace. This study aims to address this gap by examining the main stressors prevalent in the IT profession in Sweden, with the corresponding coping strategies used to mitigate these stressors. The study also examines to what extent existing coping strategies help manage stressors encountered by IT professionals in Sweden. To achieve these objectives, a qualitative methodology was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with a sample of eight participants. The data gathered from these interviews was then systematically coded and analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis approach. The results confirm several stressors and their respective coping strategies and identify a few new ones highlighted in the results chapter and discussed in the analysis chapter.

Целью магистерской диссертации исследование теоретических и практических аспектов внедрения «зеленых» инвестиционных проектов на промышленных предприятиях, а также разработаны рекомендации по получению государственной поддержки для реализации «зеленых» проектов. / The purpose of the master's thesis is to study the theoretical and practical aspects of the implementation of green investment projects at industrial enterprises, and also to develop recommendations for obtaining government support for the implementation of green projects.

Infrastructure projects frequently fail to meet performance expectations, due to their inherent complexities, leading to delays, cost overruns, and safety concerns. Risk interactions and systemic risks are two key contributors to these challenges. Risk interactions occur when one risk amplifies the magnitude and/or the probability of another, such as extreme weather delaying work progress while also increasing safety incidents. Systemic risks arise from disruptions in one component that can lead to project-wide cascading disruptions, such as delays in excavation work impacting downstream work packages like backfilling and site grading. Previous studies investigated risk interactions and systemic risks separately, which often led to sup-optimal project performance. Additionally, existing models rely on complex simulations and rigid theoretical frameworks, limiting their practicality. In this respect, the research presented in this dissertation is aimed at developing machine learning (ML)- and optimization-based strategies to address both risk interactions and systemic risks in infrastructure projects. The proposed strategies enable practitioners to i) quantify and predict the combined impacts of risk interactions and systemic risks on the project performance, thereby improving the accuracy of risk assessment; and ii) implement adaptive solutions to rapidly restore key project performance targets. The findings of the current research highlight the value of integrating ML and optimization in decision-making, offering practical solutions to enhance project outcomes under the constraints of risk interactions and systemic risks. Importantly, the presented data-driven strategies are not meant to replace the existing project management tools in practice, but rather to complement them. Project managers should continue to exercise their professional judgment alongside these strategies to ensure efficient risk management. Overall, this work advances the understanding of risk management in large-scale infrastructure projects, providing data-driven approaches to improve project performance under complex risk conditions. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Infrastructure projects, such as constructing water networks or railway lines, are inherently complex and often face significant challenges including delays, cost overruns, and safety issues. These challenges are mainly driven by the uncertainties and interdependencies of various project components. Researchers and practitioners rely on different risk assessment and mitigation methods to address these challenges. However, these methods are either impractical or fall short of accurately capturing the full scope of such uncertainties and interdependencies, resulting in a sub-optimal project performance. In this dissertation, machine learning and optimization approaches are used to better assess and mitigate the adverse impacts of these uncertainties and interdependencies on the project outcomes. The overall objectives are to: i) quantify the uncertainties and interdependencies within complex infrastructure projects and their effects on performance; ii) develop reliable and robust models to evaluate such effects; and iii) devise effective relevant mitigation strategies that enhance the project performance. The developed approaches can serve as valuable tools for decision-makers and project managers, improving their ability to assess and manage risks in real-world scenarios.

Yes / This article examines the influence of violent non-state actors (VNSAs) on the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects in conflict-affected territories. Recentering such territories, it challenges state-centric geoeconomic narratives, which often overlook the significant role of local illicit authorities in shaping project outcomes. The study demonstrates how geoeconomic ambitions, such as regional or global influence and energy security, depend on negotiating with local actors in contested territories. The findings reveal the blurred boundaries between domestic and international authority in these regions and suggest that megaprojects must account for multi-scalar authority dynamics. We illustrate our argument by analyzing the construction of two megadam projects: the Hidroituango dam in Colombia’s Antioquia department and the Myitsone dam in Myanmar’s Kachin State. Drawing on original evidence collected during extensive fieldwork comprising semi-structured interviews and observations in these two conflict-affected regions, we show that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and Myanmar’s Kachin Independence Army, respectively, exercised authority in regions where the state’s monopoly on violence was limited. These VNSAs obstructed or facilitated megaprojects based on tactics including extortion and community representation. / AHRC/ESRC, ESRC DTP (Grand Union Grant ESP0006491-1923618), Minerva Research Initiative, Air Force Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-22-1-0338) / The full-text of this article will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo, 24 months after first publication.

Submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Infrastructure project costs are being scrutinised more closely and with greater skill and accuracy as projects have become larger, more complex and more expensive, and clients have become more exacting in their requirements. These and other factors compel engineers to design with greater care and in more detail. However, public planners spend very little time generating alternative project options, often presenting decision-makers with only a few poorly differentiated alternatives borrowed ad hoc from other projects. Even more disturbing is that they often devote the greatest amount of decision making resources to the development of a single decision rather than a variety of options. A systematic and iterative analysis of the cost consequences of different design solutions is commonly suggested for infrastructure projects, but rarely happens. There is a growing need to integrate design and costs. This study concentrates on the issue of cost optimisation of infrastructure projects (particularly at the design stage of the project) and applies construction economics, cost planning, cost optimisation and value engineering techniques to the design of such projects. The methodology proposed in this study for the optimisation of cost and design planning is the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model. This model divides the planning of a project into four stages and utilises twelve Cost Report Forms across these stages. The Cost Report Forms define in a comprehensive, precise and verifiable manner the essential characteristics of a deliverable component. They are used to measure, quantify, verify and audit the different design options. By means of the Cost Report Forms, the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model enables the client to select a combination of alternatives and evaluate a number of possible design options – with their cost implications – at each stage of the design process. This i promotes transparency and accountability, and enables consultants and clients to have greater control over the planning process and overall costs. Two case studies on infrastructure related projects were conducted and confirm that the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model can reduce costs. This study demonstrates that it is possible to overcome the problem of over expenditure by introducing cost effective design decisions prior to the infrastructure design approval process. The Infrastructure Cost Planning Model can improve infrastructure standards and procure design in a cost effective, equitable, competitive and transparent manner. This study contributes to the underdeveloped area of cost planning and forecasting of infrastructure projects. The findings are relevant to the South African government's infrastructure service delivery programme and the general issue of affordable infrastructure services.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The development of mass housing is an excellent example of multi-disciplinary projects. Several housing projects have been unsuccessful due to a misunderstanding of the necessary collaboration and buy-in that are required from all parties concerned. The focus of this study is to identify the required skill sets and responsibilities of the Housing Project Manager in the Housing environment, and in turn, will support the development of the foundation of the civil engineering postgraduate curricula. Civil engineers are educated with a strong focus on technical subjects, but not much attention is paid to many of the less technical aspects as found in housing projects. Furthermore, the multi-disciplinary aspects of large projects do not receive sufficient attention in either the undergraduate or postgraduate curricula. Considering that many civil engineers become actively involved as managers of housing projects, this paper will present an investigation into the requirements of the curricula of a postgraduate qualification for civil engineers towards becoming managers in housing projects. The investigation will include aspects of multi-disciplinary coordination, the less technical aspects of housing development, but will not exclude a comprehension of technical involvement. In order to identify these skill sets and responsibilities several approaches were adopted. The approaches adopted in this dissertation include: (i) a comprehensive literature study regarding the housing environment and the position of the housing project manager, (ii) a review of several housing case studies with project management related problems, (iii) consulting with several housing management professionals from different sectors in the housing industry, and (iv) a review of existing formulations of the role and responsibilities of the housing project manager. The findings from this study provide evidence that civil engineers operating in the housing environment as project managers require additional education, due to the multi-disciplinary nature of housing projects. The main conclusion drawn from this study is that educating civil engineers towards the management of housing projects would contribute significantly to the housing environment through increasing productivity and quality, and can contribute to meet the housing targets of the government. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die ontwikkeling van massa behuising is 'n uitstekende voorbeeld van multidissiplinêre projekte. Verskeie behuisingsprojekte was al onsuksesvol as gevolg van 'n misverstand oor die nodige samewerking en bydraes wat vereis word van alle betrokke partye. Die fokus van hierdie studie is om die vaardighede en verantwoordelikhede van die behuisingsprojekbestuurder in die behuisingsomgewing te identifiseer. Hierdie kennis ondersteun die ontwikkeling van ʼn raamwerk vir ʼn nagraadse kurrikulum in behuisingsbestuur. Siviele ingenieurs is opgelei met 'n sterk fokus op tegniese vaardighede, maar relatief min aandag word geskenk aan minder tegniese aspekte soos gevind word in behuisingsprojekte. Verder, multidissiplinêre bestuursaspekte van groot projekte ontvang nie voldoende aandag in óf die voorgraadse óf nagraadse kurrikula nie. Wetende dat baie siviele ingenieurs aktief betrokke raak as bestuurders van behuisingsprojekte, ondersoek hierdie studie ʼn raamwerk vir ʼn nagraadse kwalifikasie vir siviele ingenieurs as bestuurders van behuisingsprojekte. Die ondersoek sluit in aspekte van die multidissiplinêre koördinasie asook minder tegniese aspekte van behuisingsontwikkeling, maar dit sluit nie 'n begrip van die tegniese betrokkenheid uit nie. Verskeie benaderings is toegepas om die vaardighede en verantwoordelikhede van behuisingsbestuurders te identifiseer. Die benaderings sluit in: (i) 'n omvattende literatuurstudie ten opsigte van behuising en die posisie van die behuisings-projekbestuurder, (ii) 'n oorsig van verskeie behuisings- gevallestudies met projekbestuur verwante probleme, (iii) raadpleging met verskeie professionele rolspelers van verskillende sektore in die behuisingbestuur omgewing, en (iv) 'n hersiening van bestaande beskrywings van die rol en verantwoordelikhede van die behuisings-projekbestuurder. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie verskaf bewyse dat siviele ingenieurs wat in die behuisingsbedryf as projekbestuurders optree, bykomende opleiding benodig as gevolg van die multidissiplinêre aard van projekte. Die belangrikste gevolgtrekking van hierdie studie is dat die opleiding van siviele ingenieurs in die bestuur van behuisingsprojekte ʼn aansienlike bydrae kan lewer tot behuising deur produktiwiteit en kwaliteit te verhoog. Dit kan bydra tot die bereiking van die regering se behuisingsdoelwitte.

D.Litt.et Phil. / The Chief Directorate: Population Development which is responsible for the implementation of the Population Development Programme and the Rural Foundation, regard the community development strategy as one of the most important means of improving the quality of life of the population and especially of the farm worker. Against the above-mentioned background this study firstly draws a comparison between the levels of development of Third World inhabitants, the Third World component in South Africa and farm workers. In this regard it is concluded that the level of development of farm workers corresponds with that of Third World inhabitants, and that they are even worse off than the rest of the third World component in South Africa. Secondly, the community development strategy, which forms part of South Africa's official development policy, is being evaluated with regard to other existing international development strategies. It is concluded that the community development strategy is a potentially useful tool for the furthering of development. Lastly, a synthesis is made between the theory and practice of the community development approach, within a suggested implementation model. The implementation model (see Diagrams 1 to 4) is developed incrementally in this study according to the following three schools of thought most commonly applied in practice: Endogenous initiative,where the community acts solely on its own initiative; Exogenous initiative, where the community's latent initiative is stimulated by an outside catalyst; and Concerted initiative, where the community does have its own initiative, but needs help from outside and consequently invites the help of (for instance) a community developer.

[pt] Este trabalho apresenta a aplicação do método AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) como ferramenta de apoio ao Gerenciamento de Projetos Industriais. O foco de análise é o projeto de expansão da Indústria Alunorte, líder mundial de produção de alumina. O sucesso da implantação de empreendimentos industriais como o da Alunorte depende do desempenho da área de Engenharia do Projeto, cuja responsabilidade abrange a concepção e a coordenação dos diversos projetos de engenharia integrantes do projeto global. Existe uma relação direta entre a competência das empresas executoras dos projetos e o desempenho global de um empreendimento industrial. Portanto, é primordial garantir e mensurar a qualidade da Engenharia. A presente pesquisa propõe uma avaliação dessas empresas através de um índice único que traduz as características qualificadoras e essenciais de um projeto de engenharia. O método AHP facilitou a estruturação lógica do problema e a geração de resultados baseados em aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos. Como conseqüência, o índice desenvolvido provê uma ferramenta para as tomadas de decisão de contratação de empresas de projetos e para a busca pela excelência da qualidade. Ademais, a partir das análises gerais obtidas em um estudo de caso específico, o trabalho visa contribuir para o aprimoramento da gestão de projetos industriais. / [en] This work presents the application of the method of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as tool of support to the Management of Industrial Projects. The focus of this study is the expansion project of the Alunorte industry, worldwide leader of alumina production. The success of industrial enterprises implementation such as the Alunorte project depends on the performance of the Engineering area of the Project, which is responsible for the conception and coordination of the several engineering projects integrating the global project. A direct relation exists between the effectiveness of the engineering contractors (designers) and the global performance of an industrial enterprise. Therefore, it is primordial to guarantee and to measure the quality of Engineering. The present research considers an evaluation of the engineering designers through a single index that evaluates the essential qualifications of an engineering project. The AHP method provided a basis for establishing the logical problem and generating results on quantitative and qualitative aspects. As a consequence, the index developed represents a tool for decision making process of engineering contracts practices and quality excellence achievement. Moreover, the analyses of a specific case study may contribute to the management of general industrial projects.