The goal of this work was to create and assess machine-learning models for estimating the risk of budget overruns in developed projects. Finding the best model for risk forecasting required evaluating the performance of several models. Using a dataset of 177 projects took into account variables like environmental risks employee skill level safety incidents and project complexity. In our experiments, we analyzed the application of different machine learning models to analyze the risk for the management decision policies of developed organizations. The performance of the chosen model Neural Network (MLP) was improved after applying the tuning process which increased the Test R2 from −0.37686 before tuning to 0.195637 after tuning. The Support Vector Machine (SVM), Ridge Regression, Lasso Regression, and Random Forest (Tuned) models did not improve, as seen when Test R2 is compared to the experiments. No changes in Test R2’s were observed on GBM and XGBoost, which retained same Test R2 across different tuning attempts. Stacking Regressor was used only during the hyperparameter tuning phase and brought a Test R2 of 0. 022219.Decision Tree was again the worst model among all throughout the experiments, with no signs of improvement in its Test R2; it was −1.4669 for Decision Tree in all experiments arranged on the basis of Gender. These results indicate that although, models such as the Neural Network (MLP) sees improvements due to hyperparameter tuning, there are minimal improvements for most models. This works does highlight some of the weaknesses in specific types of models, as well as identifies areas where additional work can be expected to deliver incremental benefits to the structured applied process of risk assessment in organizational policies.
The purpose of this research is to deeply examine the factors that support and hinder green economic growth in South Papua, with a specific focus on increasing awareness and capacity among local communities, developing sustainable infrastructure, and adopting clean technologies. This research utilizes a case study approach to uncover the dynamics and elements supporting the development of green economy in South Papua, particularly in Merauke Regency. Through surveys, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, data were gathered from various stakeholders, including government, communities, and the private sector. Sampling was done using purposive sampling method, ensuring the inclusion of respondents relevant to the research topic to provide a holistic understanding of the factors influencing green economy in the region. The research reveals that in Merauke Regency, the understanding of the concept of green economy among the community is still limited, highlighting the need for broader education and socialization. Factors such as government support, infrastructure availability, and community participation play a key role in driving green economic growth. However, challenges such as resource limitations and differences in perceptions among stakeholders highlight the complexity in implementing green economy. Therefore, holistic and collaborative policy recommendations need to be considered to strengthen support and effectiveness of sustainable development efforts in this region.
The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of fiscal management on macroeconomic stability in emerging countries between 2012 and 2022. The study drew on macroeconomic theory, which postulates the importance of responsible fiscal policies for economic stability. Information was taken from ten emerging Latin American countries, and the analysis was carried out through a quantitative approach, using an econometric model. A significant relationship was found between fiscal management and macroeconomic stability, evidencing that effective fiscal policies are crucial for macroeconomic stability in emerging countries. The findings emphasize that balanced fiscal management, which avoids falling into cycles of debt and deficit, is essential for long-term stability. Practices that promote fiscal stability, such as greater efficiency in public spending and effective tax collection, can contribute significantly to economic stability and sustained growth. The results also suggest that fiscal policies should take into account human development conditions and annual particularities in order to formulate effective fiscal policies. It highlights those countries with best fiscal practices, reflected in low debt-to-GDP levels and high fiscal stability, are more likely to achieve macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic growth.
The urban solid waste (USW) emanating from the increasing urbanisation calls for concern. Integrating cart pushers into the private sector participation (PSP) may bridge the lacuna in sub-urban planning and PSP truck inefficiencies, especially in developing countries. There is a paucity of studies concerning cart pushers’ role in sub-urban and issues hindering them from achieving Sustainable Development Goals (1 and 11) in developing countries. Thus, the study seeks to appraise cart pushers’ role in Nigeria’s sub- and urban areas, investigate their challenges, and propose measures to improve the achievement of the Goals by integrating them into PSP waste management systems. The researchers utilised a qualitative approach using face-to-face interviews and observation. The study covered seven of Nigeria’s major cities, including Lagos, Kano, and Abuja. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted. The participants include selected waste managers, NGOs in waste-related matters, cart pushers, legislators, households, environment and housing experts, and solid waste government agencies/regulators. The researchers adopted a thematic approach to analyse the collected data and presented it in a theme pattern. Findings reveal that despite the significance of cart pushers to the three pillars of sustainable development, including stimulating support for potential employment creation and sustainable cities and communities in Nigeria, they face challenges in their daily operation. The study proposed a revised USWM policy, where the informal waste sector should be embraced and recognised with specific rules and regulations. This is germane to improve achieving SDGs 1 and 11. This study holds significant implications for USWM policymakers and other stakeholders in embracing and integrating cart pushers into the formal waste collection process supported by statutory regulations to enhance practice. Also, this concept will increase employment opportunities and improve achieving Goals 1 and 11 in Nigeria.
Over the last few decades, demographic growth combined with poorly controlled urbanization has confronted African cities with a variety of environmental protection challenges. As part of a gradual awareness-raising process, African countries have ratified conventions and adopted a series of laws to protect the environment. Since independence (1960), Gabon has adopted legal instruments to provide a better framework for environmental protection. Despite the existence of well-developed legislation, the Libreville conurbation faces difficulties in waste management. This situation contributes to the degradation of the coastal zone. This study aims to analyse stakeholders’ perceptions of environmental protection regulations in solid waste management practices along the coastline of the Libreville metropolitan area in Gabon. The methodology includes documentary research, field observations, and surveys of 300 study area participants. The results show that the degradation of the coastline is due to a lack of awareness and compliance with the laws governing environmental protection and waste management. As a result, waste disposal practices such as dumping in nature, waterways, illegal dumps, and gutters are commonplace among the population. To achieve sustainable coastal zone management, it is essential to apply regulatory texts and involve stakeholders in improving planning and the quality of the coastal environment.
Access to affordable and quality medicines plays a vital role for achieving Universal Health Coverage and in reducing out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) for households especially in developing nations such as India. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a Government of India initiative, aims to make low-cost and quality generic drugs and surgical equipment accessible to all segments of the population through its dedicated store outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK). In this study, a pilot survey comprising 20 stores/PMBJKs and 150 citizens was undertaken in the Bengaluru Urban District, India to understand various aspects of the PMBJKs including availability of drugs, stock-outs, accessibility to stores, perception and awareness levels along with challenges faced by store owners and citizens/beneficiaries. Based on the survey results, we capture the availability of drugs for 35 medicines and consumables belonging to 12 therapeutic categories across 20 store outlets. We also provide valuable insights and interdisciplinary recommendations on several facets including adopting technology-based measures for day-to-day functioning of stores, need for in-depth supply chain analysis for ensuring availability of drugs, encouraging prescription of generic medicines, increasing awareness levels in addition to promoting grassroot-level research, surveys and feedback mechanisms. These suggestions are expected to find their utility in policy-making, strengthen the implementation of the PMBJP scheme across Bengaluru and India as well as contribute towards achieving related Sustainable Development Goals.
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