Urban sustainability assessment: An analysis of how weighting and aggregating coefficient system was used in the development of SUCCEED assessment tool for developing countries

The development of a weighting and aggregating coefficient system used in urban sustainability assessment tools is a process that needs well-defined procedures using a series of steps, methodology, and a systematic approach in its development. The development of assessment tools has been successful in developed countries but developing countries would need to have a structured process that will assist in the development of an assessment tool that is tailored to its environs. This paper aims to understand the various weighting and aggregating coefficient systems employed in the development of sustainability assessment tools. Alongside using these findings to understand how these weighting and aggregating coefficients can be adopted in the development of sustainability assessment tools for developing countries based on their differences, advantages, and disadvantages. Qualitative Content Analysis based on a systematic review of existing literature was used in this study to understand various weighting and aggregating coefficients. It is imperative to note that this research will focus on how assessment tools are developed with a clear focus on sustainability assessment weighting and aggregating. The study also further analyses how a case study SUCCEED (Sustainable Composite Cities Environmental Evaluation and Design Tool) has benefited from the adoption of equal weighting and additive aggregation methods based on validation carried out. The findings of this research show that the selection of weighting and aggregating systems is defined by the relevance, importance, and purpose of the assessment tool. It also develops a guide/recommendations on the process utilised in the development of assessment tools for developing countries

Exploring user experience and effectiveness of an innovative leanbuild UK project management software: usability study post development stage

Paper published by IGLC in the Proceedings of the 32nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 32), 1st-7th July 2024, Auckland, New Zealand.This paper explores the usability and efficiency of the LeanBuild project management software; an innovative solution rooted in Lean Construction 4.0 principles. Through collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton UK, Kingston University UK, and London South Bank University UK, the LeanBuild Limited project presents a promising innovation in the construction industry. The integration of usability evaluations and user recommendations in software development is limited, despite the importance of usability testing. Even with limited adoption of construction project management software, Target Value Delivery principles are often overlooked. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews to assess the software's usability. Recommendations gathered from industry practitioners, academics, and IT professionals emphasize the need for improvements such as financial reporting, critical path display, resource assignment features, simultaneous file uploads, BIM integration, enhanced security, and E-Tendering and Marketplace integration. The paper concludes that despite requiring further enhancements from its minimum viable product, LeanBuild is an effective solution, endorsed by users as a viable and scalable innovation with global applicability for efficient project delivery. This study highlights the importance of post-development usability checks and positions LeanBuild as a significant breakthrough in the construction software landscape

Identifying contextual predictors of urban park utilization among inter-ethnic groups in Malaysia

Social interaction among diverse ethnic groups motivates people within communities to visit urban parks towards achieving social cohesion. Malaysians of different ethnic backgrounds spend their leisure time in urban parks because it offers opportunities for social interaction. The perception and requirement of attributes needed varies among the various ethnic groups of Malays, Chinese and Indians in order to be assured of their full utilization of the parks. This study investigates the urban park attributes that encourage the utilization of urban park by these three ethnic groups toward achieving social cohesion. Using a survey questionnaire method a total of 274 respondents were sampled at Batu Pahat urban parks in Johor, Malaysia. Afterwards, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse and validate respondents’ perception of urban park utilization. The findings show that aesthetics, safety, lighting, maintenance and cleanliness in public spaces attracted people to visit the urban park and contributed towards social cohesion