Browsing by Author "Haigh, R"

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item: Conference-Abstract
Application of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to identify communication network associated with Multi-Hazard Early Warning (MHEW) in Sri Lanka
Shehara, PLAI; Siriwardana, CSA; Amaratunga, A; Haigh, R
In Sri Lanka, there are many recurring natural hazards like floods and landslides, which often turn into crucial disasters. Therefore, there is a worldwide necessity to initiate measures to reduce disaster risk as emphasized on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. In this process, Multi-Hazard Early Warnings play a vital role in which clearly defines the communication networks and enhances effective communication mechanisms. To identify the behavior of the communication network, identification of stakeholders and visualization of the network is essential. Under this study, communication networks were modelled for five frequently occurring and most critical natural hazards namely; droughts, floods, landslides, tsunami and cyclones. The stakeholder identification was done by reviewing Emergency Operation Procedures assigned for the institutions under each hazard situation. Social Network Analysis approach was used as the basis for network visualization and modelling was done using Gephi open-source software. The analyzed results were ranked based on the categories of the centrality parameter, which highlights the key stakeholders in the network. Further, the developed models were compared with the Standard Operation Procedures developed for Tsunami. The key findings of the research study can be further developed to identify and bridge the communication gap in the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Mechanism.
item: Conference-Full-text
Approaches for capacity building for disaster waste management
(2013-11-12) Karunasena, G; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Natural disasters such as Fukushima earthquake and tsunami in 2011, Haiti earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 were evident for large volumes of waste generated overwhelming existing solid waste capacities, requiring special approaches. This was further aggravated by prevailing improper Municipal Solid Waste Management practices with inadequate management capacities, specifically in developing countries. These resulted in social, economical and health issues such as unpleasant odor, ground water contamination and epidemics. This is also applicable to Sri Lanka which was severely affected by Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and prevailing dengue epidemic due to improper Municipal Solid Waste Management practices. In this context, this paper reveals approaches for capacity building over identified capacity gaps in disaster waste management in Sri Lanka. Case study research approach was used and multiple cases were selected representing all stakeholders involved in disaster waste management. Data were gathered through fifteen semi structured interviews. Unavailability of a regulatory body, pre-planned frameworks and enforceable rules and regulations and capacity constraints are identified as major gaps in disaster waste management in Sri Lanka. Establishment of a regulatory body and enforceable rules and regulations with necessary levels of capacities can attain sustainable disaster waste management for future resilience in Sri Lanka.
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Attitudes and perceptions of construction workforce on construction waste in Sri Lanka
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga; Haigh, R; Rameezdeen, R
Purpose – The construction industry consumes large amounts of natural resources, which are not properly utilised owing to the generation of waste. Construction waste has challenged the performance of the industry and its sustainable goals. The majority of the causes underlying material waste are directly or indirectly affected by the behaviour of the construction workforce. Waste occurs on site for a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented, particularly by changing the attitudes of the construction workforce. Therefore, the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce can influence the generation and implementation of waste management strategies. The research reported in this paper is based on a study aimed at evaluating the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce involved during the pre- and post-contract stages towards minimising waste. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to understand and evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of the workforce. Four types of questionnaires were prepared for project managers/site managers, supervisors, labourers, and estimators. Findings – The findings indicate the positive perceptions and attitudes of the construction workforce towards minimising waste and conserving natural resources. However, a lack of effort in practising these positive attitudes and perceptions towards waste minimisation is identified. The paper further concludes that negative attitudes towards subordinates, attitudinal differences between different working groups, and a lack of training to reinforce the importance of waste minimisation practices have obstructed proper waste management practices in the industry. Originality/value – The paper reveals the effect of the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce towards waste management applications, which would be of benefit to construction managers in designing and implementing better waste management practices.
item: Article-Abstract
Attitudes and perceptions of construction workforce on construction waste in Sri Lanka
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Rameezdeen, R
Purpose – The construction industry consumes large amounts of natural resources, which are not properly utilised owing to the generation of waste. Construction waste has challenged the performance of the industry and its sustainable goals. The majority of the causes underlying material waste are directly or indirectly affected by the behaviour of the construction workforce. Waste occurs on site for a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented, particularly by changing the attitudes of the construction workforce. Therefore, the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce can influence the generation and implementation of waste management strategies. The research reported in this paper is based on a study aimed at evaluating the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce involved during the pre- and post-contract stages towards minimising waste. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to understand and evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of the workforce. Four types of questionnaires were prepared for project managers/site managers, supervisors, labourers, and estimators. Findings – The findings indicate the positive perceptions and attitudes of the construction workforce towards minimising waste and conserving natural resources. However, a lack of effort in practising these positive attitudes and perceptions towards waste minimisation is identified. The paper further concludes that negative attitudes towards subordinates, attitudinal differences between different working groups, and a lack of training to reinforce the importance of waste minimisation practices have obstructed proper waste management practices in the industry. Originality/value – The paper reveals the effect of the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce towards waste management applications, which would be of benefit to construction managers in designing and implementing better waste management practices.
item: Conference-Abstract
Capacity building for post disaster waste management : research methodological perspective
Karunasena, GI; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Every year newspapers and television screens are dominated at some point by a natural disaster of international concern. In a disaster, generation of waste is unavoidable. This causes serious environmental and economic burden on normal living conditions, reconstruction as well as on general municipal waste collection processes. Within this context, waste management has emerged as a critical issue in responding to a disaster. This became a critical issue in Sri Lanka which was heavily affected by Asian Tsunami 2004. This was mainly due to inexperience, incapacity and lack of concentrated and effective planning and monitoring processes. In this context, it is vital to explore the capacities which need to be enhanced for effective post disaster waste management at national level in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this paper addresses research methodological aspects underpinning of this research looks into capacity building for post disaster waste management within the Sri Lankan context. Further, the paper illustrates how the philosophical issues such as epistemology, ontology and axiology directed the use of case studies as the suitable research approach. Case study design considerations associated with this research will also be discussed
item: Conference-Abstract
Capacity building towards sustainability : context of post disaster waste management
Karunasena, GI; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Concept of Capacity Building is an essential component in development theory and practice. In developing countries, it is identified as a key concept in achieving sustainability. In particular, in post disaster scenarios, focus has been placed upon local capacity building as a means of increasing resilience to natural hazards. In this context, this paper focuses on concept of capacity building and its role on achieving sustainable post disaster waste management. A literature review and pilot study have been conducted to gather information on post disaster waste management in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were held as the main data collection method and content analysis was used to analyse collected data. Unavailability of a centralized body, poor implementation of rules and regulations; lack of skills and confidence, inadequate funds, lack of communication and coordination were identified as prevailing capacity gaps in post disaster waste management. Thus, finally paper proposes a framework for capacity building for sustainable post disaster waste management
item: Conference-Full-text
The Challenges and Obstacles of Post-Disaster Road Infrastructure Reconstruction in the Pre-Construction Phase
(2016-01-05) Hayat, E; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Purpose-The reconstruction of road infrastructure in the post-disaster context require different approach when compared with road projects in the normal development context. Disaster recovery projects are seen as having their own unique identity, particularly due to stakeholder issues, resource challenges, capability issues, and even long-term reliability concerns. This paper invites a discussion regarding the challenges and obstacles identified in the reconstruction of road infrastructure in a post-disaster reconstruction setting, and focuses the discussion on the pre-construction phase. Design/ Methodology/ Approach - The challenges and obstacles presented in this paper are based on the literature and the empirical evidence collected from the research in three case study districts in Aceh, Indonesia. Twenty-eight face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of road infrastructure at the local, provincial and national level, and represented by respondents from the public works, planning agency, disaster management agency, consultant, contractors, and donor agencies. The findings were triangulated with the literature and consulted with five experts in the road infrastructure and disaster reconstruction area. Findings - The identified challenges and obstacles are divided into three groups of discussion; planning and programming, road design, and procurement. Whilst some of these challenges are not unique to post-disaster context, the scale of the risks had been undermined. Originality/ value - This paper identifies the challenges and obstacles of a road project in the post-disaster setting from the pre-construction perspective. Identification of these challenges and obstacles may help improve the implementation of post-disaster road infrastructure reconstruction projects in future recovery projects, particularly in the developing world.
item: Conference-Full-text
Challenges associated with integrating global policies on DRR and CCA in urban development: Asian perspective
(2017) Dias, N; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Malalgoda, C
The world’s population is increasing rapidly, with more than half living in Asia, mostly in urban areas. Accordingly, it is vital to reduce the current and future vulnerabilities of disasters in Asia as a precaution to save human lives as well as to reduce the damage to the natural and built environment. Increasing change on climate also further surges the vulnerability for disasters. Global policies are important to unify different parts of the world. There are three main global policies that are currently in action in the global context. These are the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals and, the Paris Climate Agreement. However, integrating these global policies to the development agendas of Asian countries have become extremely difficult due to many governance, scientific and communication issues. Based on findings of a global analysis conducted as part of a research project entitled ESPREssO funded by the EU horizon 2020 programme, this paper provides a critical review of the existing challenges associated with integrating global policies on DRR and CCA into the Urban Development in Asia. During the first phase of the study, a narrative desk based literature review was conducted and during the second stage an extensive primary data collection was conducted. Key primary data collection methods were semi structured expert interviews, expert focus group discussions and an online questionnaire survey. Findings reveal institutional issues, political willingness, information management are the prominent challenges in Asia to integrate global policies into the urban development.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Conceptual framework to understand the multi-hazard early warning mechanism in communication management
(IEEE, 2022-07) Shehara, PLAI; Siriwardana, CSA; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Rathnayake, M; Adhikariwatte, V; Hemachandra, K
A conceptual model development is a primary mechanism for defining dependencies among parameters. Here, the integration of concepts linked with Multi-Hazard Early Warning mechanism is captured. This became more significant when implementing Disaster Risk Reduction strategies emphasized by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Such a warning mechanism is required to ensure that the public at risk is timely alerted and adequately informed. In proper understanding of this mechanism, the conceptual model development is a significant approach. Here, the activity level sequencing was determined with the analytical illustration of the activity concentration and stakeholder level. Recent studies were considered in conceptual model development. For further verification, the reviews obtained from the pilot expert survey were considered. The developed model was checked for applicability considering disaster situations such as Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, Cyclone Fani in 2019 and Meethotamulla garbage dump failure in 2017. Here, the activity level concentration variation is categorized based on stakeholder levels which define on the international to community level are captured along with time change. Based on the idealized conceptual framework, the policymakers and associated stakeholders can use this in integrating the guidelines and policy framework which are targeted at Disaster Risk Reduction.
item: Conference-Full-text
Discussion paper: developing a resilient built environment: Post-disaster reconstruction as a window of opportunity
(2013-11-14) Haigh, R
item: Article-Full-text
Evaluating the network of stakeholders in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems for multiple hazards amidst biological outbreaks: Sri Lanka as a case in point
(Elsevier, 2022) Jayasekara, R; Siriwardana, C; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Synergized impacts of simultaneous hazards amidst COVID-19 have called for the need for highly collaborative multi-sectoral approaches for disaster preparedness planning. In such a context, this study aims at evaluating the network of stakeholders in the National Early Warning System of Sri Lanka during preparedness planning. Social Network Analysis was used to visualise the network of stakeholders for selected hazard scenarios. Furthermore, a series of key informant interviews were conducted focusing on disaster preparedness planning during the recent multiple hazard scenarios. The findings highlight the need for a framework to guide the stakeholder coordination in preparedness planning for multiple hazards.
item: Article-Abstract
Evaluation of vulnerability factors for cyclones: The case of Patuakhali, Bangladesh
Kulatunga, U; Wedawatta, G; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Tropical cyclones are considered as the most severe natural disasters in Bangladesh; they cause extensive damage, create losses in the country׳s economy, and affect social settings. The impact of natural disasters has been further intensified due to various vulnerability factors within the Bangladeshi community such as low income; shortages of food; lack of assets such as land and permanent housing; dense population, illiteracy. This study evaluates the vulnerability factors for cyclones in the community based in the Patuakhali region of south western Bangladesh. The bottom-up research approach was adopted for the study, whereby the local community was consulted for their viewpoints by using focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews. Different community groups and social categories including both men and women, from different age groups and livelihoods, participated in the study. The study revealed how the community׳s vulnerability to cyclones has been further aggravated by socio-economic factors such as social status, political influences and economic conditions. The majority of the community in Patuakhali has been “knowingly” vulnerable to cyclone disaster as a result of the lack of alternatives especially in terms of their livelihood patterns. The vulnerability of women, due to their lack of authority, domestic work, and fear of exposure within the society was also highlighted. The study revealed how vulnerability factors are interlinked with each other making them further difficult to manage. This calls for multi-faceted disaster risk reduction strategies that targets vulnerability factors deriving from different origins and root causes.
item: Conference-Full-text
Examining the community perception towards communication modes of issuing multi-hazard early warning (mhew) in Sri Lanka
(IEEE, 2020-07) Shehara, PLAI; Siriwardana, CSA; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Weeraddana, C; Edussooriya, CUS; Abeysooriya, RP
Communication modes are considered important in the effective delivery of Multi-Hazard Early Warnings (MHEW) to the downstream community level. More significantly, in the global context, the lack of having proper communication modes and resistance of the community to adapt to novel technologically based communication modes have identified. Indian Ocean Tsunami which hit in 2004 is a crucial disaster incident where the lack of having effective communication modes for the warning dissemination emerged in many of the affected countries. To identify the community level perception on the existing communication modes in Sri Lanka, a field questionnaire survey was developed and conducted among 10 Grama Niladari divisions in the country and overall 323 community responses were obtained. As per the results obtained under the response analysis, traditional modes of communication were highlighted as the most effective communication mode both in urban and rural levels, among both males and females, and among each of the age category distribution. Further, the community perception level was indicated based on the mean perception score and sentimental perception score on the mobile-based communication platforms. This denoted that the community perception level is at a lower level over the warning dissemination through mobile-based platforms.
item: Conference-Full-text
Framework for capacity building for post disaster construction & demolition waste management at national level
(2015-04-11) Karunasena, G; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
The entire world is facing frequent and severe disasters In a disaster, generation of waste is unavoidable and critical as it differs from a normal situation in terms of quantity and composition Thus, improper waste management is a major environmental issue in any postdisaster scenario, specifically when it is contaminated with toxic substances leading to environmental degradation and health problems Therefore, measures to control waste generation and management of waste are needed for proper disaster waste anagement, being an important aspect of the entire process of disaster management Literature revealed capacity gaps in disaster waste management emphasizing the importance of capacity building for post disaster waste management in Sri Lanka Thus this paper presents framework for capacity building for post disaster waste management with special emphasis on C&D waste at national level entities in Sri Lanka Data were gathered through semi structured interviews conducted with experts representing Government, Non government and other sector organizations involved in post disaster waste management Capacity gaps such as fewer opportunities for career development, unawareness, lack of incentives are identified at individual level while unavailability of formal procedures for preparation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes/ projects, policy issues such as unenforceability, inadequate government support and unavailability of institutional arrangement are identified at entity level Framework for capability building in disaster C&D waste management was presented, with suggested approaches to overcome identified capacity gaps Framework can assist national entities involved in disaster waste management to focus on specific capacity building processes based on their institutional priorities It contains evaluated approaches to enhance capacities, providing flexibility to initiate capacity building at different levels such as individual, team, programmes, projects, entity or network of entities and in different contexts than disaster waste management It guides national entities involved in post disaster waste management to enhance their capacities for effective and efficient processes of post disaster waste management with special emphasis to C&D waste
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A Gis-Based Simulation Application To Model Surface Runoff Level In Urban Blocks.
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2020-11) Wijayawardana, PNP; Abenayake, CC; ayasinghe, AB; Kalpana, LDCHN; Dias, N; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Simulation of flood inundation in urban areas longer important, given the magnitude of potential loss and disruption associated with non-river based, urban flooding. The complexity of the urban environment and lack of high-resolution topographic and hydrologic data compromise the development and implementation of models. Low impact development (LID) is technical know-how on a collection of sustainable practices that mimic natural hydrological functions including infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of surface runoff. Several studies have been carried out to discuss the impact of urbanization scenarios in reducing the urban flood risk in watershed scale in Sri Lanka. Yet, there is a gap remains in simulating the effectiveness of LID-based planning practices to reduce flood risk with the complex built form scenarios. In such a situation, this study attempts to make a significant contribution to simulate the variations of flood regulation functions under different high-intensive urban development scenarios, particularly focusing on the urban metropolitan regions. The analyses were carried out utilizing SWMM (Storm Water Management Model) which is open-source flood inundation simulation approach with the help of GIS in a more qualitative manner. The simulation results indicate that expanding built form scenarios increase the flood venerability for city functions, increasing inundation duration and LID scenarios able to reduce the surface runoff to reduce flood vulnerability at a significant level. The simulation results had been verified with the real ground situation (mean percentage change < 15.5%) which able to capture the thresholds of built form variation, as well as dynamic land uses and infrastructure supply which can be used as a tool for future planning practices and decision-making.
item: Conference-Full-text
Grounded theory as an approach to explore the use of public open spaces to enhance the cities’ resilience to disasters
(2017) Jayakody, RRJC; Amarathunga, D; Haigh, R
Grounded theory is a popular research method in social science researches, yet comparatively unfamiliar in the planning and designing literature. However, the use of grounded theory in exploring new concepts and theories from the gathered data, allows to bring unique benefits to the research as well as many challenges and criticisms. Within this context, this paper explores the benefits, challenges and criticisms of using grounded theory as the research method within the research fields of urban planning and disaster resilience. Specifically, the paper analyses the use of grounded theory within the research of exploring the use of public open spaces to enhance the cities’ resilience to disasters. First, the paper presents the factors effected to make the decision of selecting grounded theory as the research method in this particular research. Followed by the elements of the selected version of grounded theory. Then the discussion flows through the benefits, challenges and criticisms of using grounded theory within the research study. Finally, the findings suggest set of strategies that can be used to harness the potentials and to overcome the criticisms and challenges of using grounded theory as the research method within the field of planning and designing.
item: Conference-Full-text
The impact of training and development on career advancement of professional women in the UK construction industry
(2012-06) Fernando, NG; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
The redressing the gender imbalance in the UK construction industry has been emphasised on numerous occasions and many researchers have identified that women can contribute in an immense way towards the construction industry development. However, construction industry has failed to attract and retain women who are interested in a construction career. Participation of women is still very low in some parts of the industry, in particular, at a time when skilled people at all levels of the industry are in demand. Further, Training and Development (T&D) activities have been identified as one of the vital element for professional women’s career advancement in the construction industry. However, most of the concepts related to competitive advantages of T&D on professional women’s career advancement are imprecise and unstructured in the construction industry. There is little evidence of an accepted theoretical framework for applying the ideas and there is even less in the way of empirical evidence concerning the validity and utility of these concepts. This paper presents the how much/how little impact T&D has on women’s career advancement. This paper is based on data collected from professional women in the UK construction industry.
item: Article-Abstract
Implementation of critical success factors in construction researchand development process
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, I; Haigh, R
Construction research and development (R&D) process has a number of issues that affect its success. These issues imply that Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of construction R&D process are not properly addressed. Not knowing CSFs could lead to not implementing them and not paying proper attention for them. The study investigates CSFs of construction R&D process and their implementation/consideration during the R&D process. A comprehensive literature review was used first to develop construction R&D process. CSFs and their implementation/consideration were evaluated by a questionnaire survey. Construction R&D process was derived with four phases namely Initiation, Conceptualizing, Development and Launch and Management activities that support coordination and resourcing of R&D process. Study revealed that, as a whole there is a gap between the importance of success factors against their implementation/consideration as majority of CSFs are not properly implemented compared to the importance attached to them.
item: Conference-Abstract
Integrating universities with the built environment practice and the communities in disaster management education
Malalgoda, C; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Keraminiyage, K
Built environment (BE) practitioners have a key role to play in developing societal resilience to disasters. In doing so, various interactions are needed between BE disciplines and other stakeholders engaged with the disaster management process. Therefore universities conducting courses on disaster management need to consider the needs of these stakeholders in their programme design and delivery. This requires building partnerships between universities, BE practice and other stakeholders engaged in disaster management who are referred to as ‘community’ in this research. Previous research has highlighted the lack of integration between practice, community and university (PCU) in contributing to the societal resilience to disasters and therefore it is very important to strengthen the integration between PCU. Development of such partnerships is a complex task and it is important to identify how PCU integration can take place and how the effectiveness of such integration can be measured. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to present the initial PCU framework developed as part of an EU funded project, aimed at developing a professional doctorate for disaster resilience in the built environment. The methodology adopted for this research comprises of a literature review and brainstorming. The paper presents several mechanisms to integrate universities with the BE practice and communities in developing meaningful partnerships in the proposed professional doctorate, some of which include, collaborative programme design, delivery, research and supervision
item: Conference-Full-text
Managing disaster knowledge : identification of knowledge factors and challenges
(2013-12-01) Pathirage, C; Seneviratne, K; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
The number of reported disasters has increased steadily over the past century and risen very sharply during the past decade. Consequently the loss of lives, property, employment and damage to the physical infrastructure and the environment is also on the rise. Knowledge management can play a vital role through ensuring the availability and accessibility of accurate and reliable disaster risk information when required and through effective lesson learning. In this context, identification of key disaster knowledge factors will be an enabler to manage disasters successfully. The paper presents key knowledge factors relating to disaster management cycle, and explores a few challenges relating to identified disaster knowledge factors. A list of disaster knowledge factors was first identified through a comprehensive literature review and later semi-structured interviews were conducted among few disaster management practitioners to explore the influence and challenges relating to identified knowledge factors. Technological, operational/ managerial, economic, social, legal and environmental factors seem to have direct influence over the disaster management cycle, while the influence of institutional and political factors seemed indirect and it is through other factors identified. Among key challenges, the lack of detection and warning systems, the need for effective education, training and awareness raising programmes, the need for regular updating of disaster related laws, lack of funds for economic planning measures, poor planning, poor communication, poor leadership, and poor institutional arrangement were highlighted.