An original methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the use of concession mechanisms based on the stakeholder theory

Subject. The article addresses the methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the use of concession mechanisms based on the stakeholder theory in investment activities. Objectives. The purpose is to develop methodological approaches to assessing the effectiveness of investment process financing, using the concession mechanisms. Methods. I employ both general scientific methods of cognition and analytical, economic and statistical methods of information processing, based on the analysis of existing concession agreements. Results. The study defines a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the use of concession mechanisms on the basis of the theory of stakeholders. It enables to determine the limits and prospects for investing private investor's funds, taking into account the evaluation rating scale. Conclusions. The stability of investment activity is an important aspect. The analysis of the existing preliminary review of the current economic state of concession agreements revealed negative cause-and-effect relationships, which are associated essentially with the lack of awareness of the parties of successful implementation of investment projects. My unique methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the use of concession mechanisms based on the stakeholder approach aims at solving the above-mentioned problem and increasing the efficiency of investment project financing through a preliminary project assessment. It can be used in investment activities, in particular, in preparing and implementing concession agreements in the housing and utilities sector, construction of social institutions and transport infrastructure facilities.

Developing A Reading Project Assessment to Stimulate Students’ Critical Thinking and Creativity

Assessment is a part of the learning assessment phase of the teaching and learning process. It is used to evaluate whether the education goals have been reached by looking at the process and product of learning outcomes. However, many teachers need assistance in developing a suitable assessment system and instrument. Then it should be in line with the teaching and learning priorities of the 2013 curriculum, which enable teachers to challenge students' analytical and creative thinking. This study aimed to explain the development of project-based reading assessments to stimulate students' critical thinking and creativity of the tenth graders of X IPS 3 at SMAN 12 Semarang during the academic year 2018/2019. To construct project-based reading assessments, the researcher and the teacher collaborated. The module was revised based on expert advice until the main field testing was completed. The data collection methods were using a questionnaire, interview, observation, and examination to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. The study discovered that when students were given project-based reading assessments, their scores increased. According to the results of a paired sampled test, the students' mean score changed significantly after the post-test relative to the pre-test. Students' comprehension skills, critical thinking, and creative thinking have all improved as a result of project-based reading assessments. In conclusion, the project based assessment is applicable for teaching learning activities to stimulate high school students’ critical thinking and creativity.

The Optimistic View to Uncertainty. Benefits of Real Option Valuation Methodology in Project Valuation; Example of its Application for a Rail Terminal Modification Project

The two main factors that drive the shift to liquid cracking in the Middle East are the restricted availability of ethane and the fact that naphtha or mixed feed cracking provides us with a much more diverse product mix. This opens the path to a higher share of performance chemicals. Building petrochemical complexes based on liquid or mixed feed cracking requires very complicated downstream configurations at a high level of integration with refinery streams. The value created by such a project rests on the ability of the operator to solve complex optimization problems in a volatile market environment. Inevitably, the correctness of the investment decision rests on the ability of the management to determine the value of the project under conditions of uncertainty regarding the future market prices. This paper demonstrates how the approach that was developed originally for the option valuation, can be used to address the problem of project assessment under the conditions of uncertainty. A real-life example of an investment decision about a modification of a rail terminal is used to illustrate the problem and to present a solution to it. Building on this example further, the paper argues that the method of Real Option valuation can support a creation of a competitive advantage in the conditions of uncertainty.

SCARING INTEREST IN LEARNING CHEMISTRY BASED ON CAREER INTEREST THROUGH ECOLECTROCHEMISTRY: PRESENTING INCLUSIVE CHEMISTRY IN ONLINE CLASS

The online learning of organic chemistry series chemistry in class XII MIPA Catholic SMA Santu Petrus Pontianak in the first three months of the odd semester showed a decrease in interest in learning chemistry. This study was conducted to find chemistry lessons that match the career interests of students, especially the study topics in the physical chemistry learning series (voltaic cells and electrolytic cells). On the topic of voltaic cells, group projects are carried out by choosing their own types of assignments according to the interests and learning styles of students with activities of making chemical songs, simple practicum, limited webinars and advertisements for voltaic cell products. On the topic of electrolysis cells, a group project was carried out with the concept of combining economics/business into electrochemistry, called ecolectrochemistry. The voltaic cell project assessment uses five parameters: the accuracy of the voltaic cell concept, the relevance of the voltaic cell concept to the concept raised, creativity, fulfillment of task requirements, and collaboration. The ecolectrochemistry project assesses problem-solving skills using the IDEALS model, presentation assessment and assessment of creative and disciplined attitudes. The active and enthusiastic involvement of students is better than in the organic chemistry series. There is an increase in interest in learning chemistry from 27.38% to 65.48% and there is an increase in the average learning outcomes of the physical chemistry learning series compared to the organic chemistry learning series. These results indicate that learning designed according to students'.

A Counterfactual Baseline for Assessing Future Environmental Impact: A Case Study of the Belt and Road Initiative

The impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the environment is an important but controversial topic. But assessing it faces a significant challenge for separating its policy impact from the overall effect of economic development that will also have environmental impacts. This paper attempts to provide an evolutionary and counterfactual baseline to evaluate the environmental impact of BRI, based on the distribution dynamics approach and the mobility probability plots (MPPs). Our estimation results suggest that while the majority of BRI economies will lower their emission levels compared with the world average, there are significant differences between BRI and non-BRI countrie’s emission patterns and dynamics. The majority of non-BRI economies will have lower emission levels than their BRI counterparts in the absence of BRI policy, indicating that the difference in future emissions between BRI and non-BRI countries should not be completely attributed to the environmental impact of BRI. Instead, BRI should take measures to prevent certain countries from moving upwards energy intensity paths through policy intervention, international cooperation, and an inclusive project assessment process.

Reengineered Governance Process for Assessing Core Public Infrastructure Projects

Although the global financial crisis has adversely affected finances, governments continue to prepare substantial budgets annually to promote major economic development projects. However, the projects that are actually implemented by the current system often encounter delays, low public usage after completion, or failure to achieve the original objectives or expected benefits. This issue demands that the government immediately establish the countermeasures needed for effective improvement. The objective of this study is to provide a mechanism for promptly terminating ineffective projects and for minimizing the risks of ineffective project execution and unused budgets. To achieve the goal of the efficient use of financial resources, this study applied a qualitative research method and the process of reengineering concepts to provide government agencies with standard operating procedures and to review checklists for project assessment. The analysis results can be applied to public infrastructure projects before or during execution and provide an exemplary urban policy evaluation model for a three-tier administration system. The contributions of this study aim to reduce the misuse and waste of national resources and to maximize the efficiency of resource use by developing a standard review procedure, effective assessment procedures, a checklist, and a review checklist that can serve as a reference for government agencies.

Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Video Model Addie di SMA Citra Nusa Cibinong Bogor

This study aims to develop a model of learning media development in Civics lessons in high school. This development research using the ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation). The resulting product is a video-based learning media on Civics subjects at SMA Citra Nusa Cibinong. This media was developed through the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The media component developed is a learning video based on the main theme that is adjusted to the core competencies and basic competencies in the syllabus for Civics subjects. All of these learning videos are implemented through a project based learning learning system, with the following learning steps: Opening the lesson with a challenging question (start with the big question), Planning a project (design a plan for the project), Arranging an activity schedule (create a schedule), Supervise the course of the project (monitor the students and the progress of the project), Assessment of the resulting product (assess the outcome), Evaluation (evaluate the experience). At the end of the learning process, the Civics teacher and students reflect on the activities and results of the projects that have been carried out.

Destination: Space! A Virtual Flash Talk Series

<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>During the series of national lockdowns, interacting onsite with local schools became difficult and increased the demand for virtual content. To meet this challenge, we created an online programme entitled <em>“Destination: Space”</em>, aimed at showcasing the current planetary research conducted within the Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Planetary Physics (AOPP) department at the University of Oxford. Over six weeks, school students from the UK and around the globe joined us on an out-of-this-world journey exploring space and planetary physics. <em>Destination: Space</em> has introduced students to fascinating areas of science, including the search for water on the Moon, meteorites and sample return missions, and whether there really could be other life out there in the universe. </p><p>Talks were hosted online in a live webinar-style, where the audience could interact with and ask questions of the scientists involved in each event. The series consisted of four short seminars, one game show style event, and one purely question and answer panel session. The seminar sessions consisted of a short talk delivered by AOPP scientists focused on their research with time for audience questions. The game show event was loosely based on the “Would I lie to you?” BBC hit television show and had the scientists presenting short statements and inviting the audience to determine whether it was fact or fiction. This format encouraged audience participation and debate through the webinar chat feature. Due to the large number of questions we were unable to get to during the seminar sessions, a Q&A panel was added to the series. </p><p><strong>Reception: </strong>The <em>Destination: Space</em> programme was advertised well in advance of its commencement through the Oxford Physics Outreach department mailing lists connected to local schools, and through social media accounts. Over 750 local and international audience members attended the series with an additional 1000+ viewers watching the recorded versions on YouTube as of this time. </p><p><strong>Project Assessment: </strong>For the seminar sessions, polls were used to assess the audience’s knowledge before and after the talk, with the majority self-reporting an increase in understanding of the topic and overall positive comments from the audience, including several emails from teachers supporting the project. The game show session incorporated polls throughout to encourage an interactive event, and showed the audience actively debating in the chat and reaching the right answer 85% of the time. Responses to this event were overwhelmingly positive and many cited the interactivity as enhancing their experience. Overall polling showed support for the programme and calls for similar series covering other space topics. We will look to create another series for the upcoming school year, and to create more activities for teachers to use in conjunction with the programme. </p><p> </p><p>The recorded programme can be found here:</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUX8glPeEnsK2Qu97enFmpXuIoMrw7Pdm</p>