ABSTRACT
A bridge is a complementary structure connecting several trajectories, for people or vehicles to cross from one side to another. This is often due to the presence of obstacles across topographical objects or other causes. The Public Works and Housing Agency (PUPR) of Bireuen Regency has proposed the construction of a bridge to the Bireuen Regency Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), based on 3 sections to be designed with a total cost of IDR 16,882,540,000 in 2022. However, this proposal is not vehemently increased due to budget constraints, as the focus is switched to handling the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in Indonesia. Therefore, the assessment of the priority scale is very necessary, in order to determine the most important bridge sections to be constructed for public interest in 2022. This study aims to analyze the dominant criteria considered in bridge construction, and also the priority order of this infrastructure in Bireuen Regency. A quantitative method was utilized through a questionnaire, as the selection was conducted by using a purposive sampling technique, with considerations based on stakeholders in the field of development. The respondents were approximately 6 stakeholders, which were selected from different departments in Bireuen Regency (Assistant Regional Secretary, Head of the Highways Division of the PUPR Service, Head of the Regional Development Program Division of the BAPPEDA, Head of Land Transportation Division, Member of Commission IV for the Development of the Regency People's Representative Council (DPRK), and Syiah Kuala University Academics). The criteria reviewed were the length of construction, cost, land use, accessibility, population, social facilities, and economic facilities. Meanwhile, the alternatives considered were the Alue Phon Krueng Simpo, Awe Geutah, and West Ie Rhob Sirong Gampong Bridges, respectively. The data analysis process also used the MCA (Multi-Criteria Analysis) technique, as the results showed that the dominant criterion in the study was the cost. It also showed that the priority order for construction started with the West Sirong Ie Rhob Bridge (priority 1), accompanied by the Alue Phon Krueng Simpo and Awe Geutah Steel Frame Bridges (priority 2 and 3), at Pi values of 7.94, 4.81, and 3.43, respectively. © 2023 Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Medical research and innovation to meet urgent demands in society is crucial, but the process contains many challenges. Moreso, impacts from medical research and innovation can take many years to materialise, not least because these activities are infused with various types of complexities due to heterogeneous networks, systems, and contexts. Although acceleration is currently a trending topic, little is known about the temporal complexities embedded in research and innovation processes. This paper analyses the time dimension of medical research and innovation through an empirical investigation of 30 research projects that were set up to respond quickly to the COVID-19 situation from June 2020 to July 2022. Funders and scientists were able to find ways to speed up many tasks, but many of the projects also saw delays and deceleration. An important explanation is that temporality is tied to a myriad of contextual characteristics that limit the opportunities of project leaders for coordinating and accelerating activities and outcomes. Attempts at acceleration seem to work best when substantial ongoing research activities can be shaped incrementally into new directions. Nevertheless, the results of the projects may be of limited value to the pandemic which served as their rationale, but they can serve as a foundation for better policies and practices that invoke the need for rethinking medical innovation in the future. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
ABSTRACT
The majority of catches by fishermen in Aceh, Indonesia are sold raw, directly to consumers, and in the local market. This contributes to the low price of fish and low income for the fishermen, and the COVID-19 outbreak has made this situation even worse. One solution could be the establishment of a cold storage business in the area. This study assessed the financial feasibility of a 200-ton cold storage business in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province. Using secondary data collected from online sources, we applied the most common financial indicators used in feasibility studies, namely Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). A sensitivity test was also performed to predict the feasibility of the cold storage business if the basic assumptions are changed. We found that cold storage in Banda Aceh is financially feasible as the NPV was positive, the IRR was higher than the interest rate (i.e., the discount rate), and the BCR was higher than 1. Besides, the sensitivity test also suggested that cold storage would still be feasible even if there were a 20% increase or decrease in storage capacity and project costs. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.