scholarly journals An online method database for mapping and assessing ecosystem services

One Ecosystem ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Reichel ◽  
Hermann Klug
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Single Method ◽  
Combination Of Methods ◽  
Ecosystem Services Mapping ◽  
The Right

Since the foundation of the ecosystem services concept in the ninetieth of the last century (Costanza et al. 1998, Costanza et al. 1997, de Groot 1992), many methods to map and assess ecosystem services have been developed and applied to policy and business questions worldwide. While many flexible methods exist at different spatial scales and ecosystem types, Jax et al. (2018) express the difficulty in choosing and applying the correct method to the right topic of interest. To enable a selection of appropriate methods, Harrison et al. (2018) developed a decision tree approach. However, Dunford et al. (2018) argue that often not a single method but a combination of methods are required for appropriate decision-making in real world situations. Thus, applying the concept of ecosystem services in practice is challenging, especially at institutional level (Saarikoski et al. 2018). This hampers comparability, applicability and transferability of ecosystem services assessments and related mapping applications across scales and European regions. It also impedes a solid overview of existing methods suitable for use at different scales in different biomes and types of ecosystems. These challenges require a consistent knowledge capitalisation infrastructure, where information is synthesised in a publicly accessible portal to enable a consistent description of different ecosystem conditions and the services they provide. Going beyond the previously mentioned challenges requires a flexible methodology for assessing and mapping ecosystem services. The Horizon 2020 project ESMERALDA (Enhancing ecoSysteM sERvices mApping for poLicy and Decision mAking) developed this methodology and implemented it into the "MAES explorer"*5 and the "MAES Methods Explorer*1 (MME)". The MME complements previous developments from the EU projects OpenNESS*2 and OPERAs*3. In contrast to the OPPLA*4 case-study-finder with case study areas and accompanied study area booklets and descriptions, MME focuses on methods for mapping and assessing ecosystem services and links those to selected literature and case studies. Additionally, MME provides a comprehensive and publicly searchable collection of peer-reviewed journal references and grey literature about mapping and assessing ecosystem services in Europe. This compilation is cross-related with the case study booklets produced by the ESMERALDA project and particularly methods, which are specifically used to assess and map particular ecosystem services within the case study area. Thus, searching for and filtering of particular case study areas, (related) literature references and/or methods is possible. Santos-Martin et al. (2018) provide the detailed description about the scientific procedure behind the MME tool described here.

scholarly journals Mapping and assessing ecosystem services in the EU - Lessons learned from the ESMERALDA approach of integration

One Ecosystem ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Burkhard ◽  
Joachim Maes ◽  
Marion Potschin-Young ◽  
Fernando Santos-Martín ◽  
Davide Geneletti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Member States ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Service Mapping ◽  
Ecosystem Services Mapping ◽  
The Eu

The European Union (EU) Horizon 2020 Coordination and Support Action ESMERALDA aimed at developing guidance and a flexible methodology for Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) to support the EU member states in the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy’s Target 2 Action 5. ESMERALDA’s key tasks included network creation, stakeholder engagement, enhancing ecosystem services mapping and assessment methods across various spatial scales and value domains, work in case studies and support of EU member states in MAES implementation. Thus ESMERALDA aimed at integrating various project outcomes around four major strands: i) Networking, ii) Policy, iii) Research and iv) Application. The objective was to provide guidance for integrated ecosystem service mapping and assessment that can be used for sustainable decision-making in policy, business, society, practice and science at EU, national and regional levels. This article presents the overall ESMERALDA approach of integrating the above-mentioned project components and outcomes and provides an overview of how the enhanced methods were applied and how they can be used to support MAES implementation in the EU member states. Experiences with implementing such a large pan-European Coordination and Support Action in the context of EU policy are discussed and recommendations for future actions are given.

scholarly journals Mapping Ecosystem Services for Marine Planning: A UK Case Study

Resources ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanouil Tyllianakis ◽  
Lenka Fronkova ◽  
Paulette Posen ◽  
Tiziana Luisetti ◽  
Stephen Mangi Chai
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Oxygen Depletion ◽  
Fishing Effort ◽  
Marine Management ◽  
Mapping Tool ◽  
Ecosystem Services Mapping ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Marine Planning

This study presents an ecosystem-services-mapping tool that calculates the monetary value of several ecosystem services (ES) provided from an area comprising both MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) and non-managed areas. Findings in the UK South West Marine Management Organisation (MMO) Plan Area show that different MPAs yield high value estimates and that activities are grouped in certain areas, with the Severn Estuary and surrounding Site(s) of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) attracting the most recreational anglers, despite having lower water quality. This can be explained by increased nutrient levels, which enhance biological activity and yet do not cause oxygen depletion. The yearly value of the ecosystem service of carbon sequestration and storage in the area is estimated between £16 and £62 thousand. Proximity to large urban areas and shallow waters appear to be the most appealing factors for anglers, while proximity with France can be associated with the high fishing effort in the southwest of the study area. We show that the use of a tool integrating a willingness-to-pay function with high spatial resolution layers and associated monetary values can be used for short-term marine spatial planning and management.

An integrated machine learning: Utility theory framework for real-time predictive maintenance in pumping systems

2020 ◽  
pp. 095440542097051
Author(s):  
Raghad M Khorsheed ◽  
Omer Faruk Beyca
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Utility Theory ◽  
Predictive Maintenance ◽  
Manufacturing Operations ◽  
Pumping Stations ◽  
Bearing Failures ◽  
Temperature Levels ◽  
The Right

Bearings are the most widely used mechanical parts in rotating machinery under high load and high rotational speeds. Operating continuously under such harsh conditions, wear and failure are imminent. Developing defects give rise to even-higher vibration and temperature levels. In general, mechanical defects in a machine cause high vibration levels. Therefore, bearing fault identification and early detection enables the maintenance team to repair the problem before it triggers catastrophic failure in the bearing. Machine downtime is thus avoided or minimized. This paper explores the use of Machine Learning (ML) integrated with decision-making techniques to predict possible bearing failures and improve the overall manufacturing operations by applying the correct maintenance actions at the right time. The accuracy of the Predictive Maintenance (PdM) module has been tested on real industrial production datasets. The paper proposes an effective PdM methodology using different ML algorithms to detect failures before they happen and reduce pump downtime. The performance of the tested ML algorithms is based on five performance indicators: accuracy, precision, F-score, recall, and an area under curve (AUC). Experimental results revealed that all tested ML algorithms are successful and effective. Furthermore, decision making with utility theory has been employed to exploit the probability of failures and thus help to perform the appropriate maintenance interventions. This provides a logical framework for decision-makers to identify the optimum action with the maximum expected benefit. As a case study, the model is applied on forwarding pumping stations belonging to the Sewerage Treatment Company (STC), one of the largest sewage stations in Qatar.

scholarly journals Outsourcing energy retrofitting of hotel buildings: the decision-making process

2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 01016 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.F.F. Fasna ◽  
Sachie Gunatilake
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Energy Efficiency Improvement ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Energy Service ◽  
The Right

Poor energy performance of existing buildings worldwide has led to a crucial need to retrofit existing buildings to minimise energy consumption. Among the existing buildings, hotels use as much as 50% of their total expenses on energy and offer significant opportunities for energy efficiency improvement. Yet, comparatively the level of implementation of energy retrofits found to be low, which has attributed to, inter alia, the absence of a clearly defined process for ensuring the delivery of energy retrofit projects and lack of proactive guidance for project teams to ensure that they make the right decisions at the right time to achieve the desired outcomes. Since many energy retrofit projects in existing hotels are carried out with the involvement of an external contractor, or an Energy Service Company (ESCO), this study focuses on investigating the decision-making process in implementing energy retrofits when the project is outsourced to an external party. An in-depth case study is used to obtain insights into the critical decisions to be taken and key activities to be performed throughout the decision-making process. The findings are used to propose a step-by-step decision-making process comprising of three key phases: i.e., pre-retrofit, retrofit implementation and post-retrofit. It is hoped that the decision-making process developed in this study will serve as a roadmap for the effective adoption and implementation of energy retrofits in existing hotel buildings when an external contractor is involved.

scholarly journals AHP Method to Support Decision Making for Sustainability

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Wail El hilali ◽  
Abdellah El manouar ◽  
Mohammed Abdou Janati Idrissi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Multicriteria Decision Making ◽  
Ahp Method ◽  
Telecom Operator ◽  
Fierce Competition ◽  
The Right ◽  
Scarcity Of Resources ◽  
New Framework

In these challenging times, finding a way to sustain the created value becomes a must. The fierce competition, the risk of disruption, the rise of customer awareness and the scarcity of resources, all these are few of many drivers that push companies to invest in sustainability. This paper is an attempt to enrich the literature about this subject. It mainly explores how to use the AHP method, a well-known multicriteria decision making technique, to decide about the right actions to implement, in order to reach sustainability. The paper is a continuity of a previous work that introduced a new framework that explained how companies could sustain their business models through information systems (IS). This approach was applied on a telecom operator, as a case study, to explain well how companies could choose the right actions to implement, in order to reach sustainability.

scholarly journals Ecosystem services mapping and assessment for policy- and decision-making: Lessons learned from a comparative analysis of European case studies

One Ecosystem ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Geneletti ◽  
Blal Adem Esmail ◽  
Chiara Cortinovis ◽  
Ildikó Arany ◽  
Mario Balzan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Horizon 2020 ◽  
Wide Range

This paper analyses and compares a set of case studies on ecosystem services (ES) mapping and assessment with the purpose of formulating lessons learned and recommendations. Fourteen case studies were selected during the EU Horizon 2020 “Coordination and Support Action” ESMERALDA to represent different policy- and decision-making processes throughout the European Union, across a wide range of themes, biomes and scales. The analysis is based on a framework that addresses the key steps of an ES mapping and assessment process, namely policy questions, stakeholder identification and involvement, application of mapping and assessment methods, dissemination and communication and implementation. The analysis revealed that most case studies were policy-orientated or gave explicit suggestions for policy implementation in different contexts, including urban, rural and natural areas. Amongst the findings, the importance of starting stakeholder engagement early in the process was confirmed in order to generate interest and confidence in the project and to increase their willingness to cooperate. Concerning mapping and assessment methods, it was found that the integration of methods and results is essential for providing a comprehensive overview from different perspectives (e.g. social, economic). Finally, lessons learned for effective implementation of ES mapping and assessment results are presented and discussed. Graphical Abstarcat in Fig. 1.

Advantages, Limitations, and Solutions in the Use of ERP Systems

2013 ◽  
pp. 665-674
Author(s):  
Paula Serdeira Azevedo ◽  
Mário Romão ◽  
Efigénio Rebelo
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Erp Systems ◽  
Heterogeneous Information ◽  
Industry Sector ◽  
Information Spread ◽  
The Right

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have emerged as solutions oriented to manage organizations’ resources in an integrated way. They allow the automation of department activities, make information available to users at the right time, and support more accurately their decision-making needs. However, although the implementation of these systems has brought considerable benefits to users, they do not cover all processes from all industries. Many organizations have recognized this limitation and consequently felt the need to implement specific solutions to their industry, sector, or line of business. From the collected case study business drivers and objectives, the authors analyze the advantages and limitations of ERP Systems in the hospitality industry in order to understand how this industry uses ERP Systems and solves the challenge of integrating information spread through several heterogeneous information systems.

Whistleblowing and Boundary Violations: exposing a colleague in the forensic milieu

2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 526-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Peternelj-Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Nursing Practice ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
Psychiatric Nursing ◽  
Boundary Violations ◽  
Boundary Violation ◽  
Forensic Psychiatric ◽  
The Right

The purpose of this article is to examine the phenomenon of whistleblowing as it relates to a reconstructed case study of an erotic boundary violation that emerged from a clinical situation in forensic psychiatric nursing practice. The unique features of this case are illustrated with the help of a model for decision making. Although the ramifications of exposing a colleague are many, it is argued that, in this particular case, it was morally and ethically the right thing to do.

Choosing action plans for strategic manufacturing objectives using AHP

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 180-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Chiarini
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Manufacturing Strategy ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Managerial Style ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology can help in the decision-making process of choosing action plans linked to manufacturing strategy. The research also analyses the path which some managers followed for defining and selecting the action plans as well as the organisational obstacles and pitfalls the managers encountered. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an exploratory case study in a medium-sized Italian manufacturing company. The authors collected, coded and discussed data from the AHP implementation. Furthermore, during the observation of how the managers dealt with the decision-making path, the authors collected, coded and discussed the qualitative data. Findings Results showed that AHP made the decision-making process of choosing between alternative plans more objective. However, the authors observed obstacles and pitfalls mainly linked to organisational aspects such as creating team and staff’s awareness, involvement and commitment as well as staff’s skills. Other interesting findings are linked to the creation of managers’ consensus and the top manager’s managerial style and how the latter could affect the AHP consistency ratio. Research limitations/implications This research is based on a case study. The findings need to be tested by other scholars and practitioners in different organisations. Moreover, issues such as management consensus and negotiation in manufacturing organisations and managerial style need further research. Practical implications AHP methodology can help practitioners who are dealing with the deployment of strategic manufacturing objectives and who are trying to employ methods for choosing the right action plan. Besides, practitioners are aware of specific organisational obstacles and pitfalls encountered on the strategic deployment path. Originality/value This paper proposes for the first time the use of the AHP methodology for choosing between action plans derived from strategic manufacturing objectives.

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