Exploring the Interface of Urban Decision Dynamic and Infrastructure Knowledge
Funder: National Science Foundation (NSF), Urban Research Initiative (URI)
In countless cities across the U.S., infrastructure—streets, bridges, sewers, and other public utilities—is aging and falling into an increasingly critical state of disrepair. And just as these elements of our infrastructure have passed their prime, so too have the computer information systems we use to manage and maintain them. This growing problem is about much more than simply fixing what's broken; it's about fixing the way that we fix what's broken. That was the focus of this interdisciplinary research effort. A team of researchers at the Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy worked to design a "decision support system" or DSS to help cities maintain their support systems in a way that's more efficient and less expensive. If adopted, the resulting advancements could produce nationwide savings worth tens of billions of dollars.
The City of Houston served as the case study site and partner for this research. The Houston case included a large set of stakeholders and problem elements that were related in complex ways and often changed dynamically during the decision process. Data were gathered from three units: the Department of Public Works and Engineering, the Mayor's Office, and the City Council.
After analysis, the researchers defined nine key requirements for a good decision support system. Among other things, the researchers determined that infrastructure decision making could be greatly enhanced by consolidation of information, communication, and decision making; that there is a need for significant investment in infrastructure information that is understandable by non-engineers; that the decision support system will have important educational community building functions; and that as stakeholders use the decision support system, they will learn about the decision process, suggesting process improvements.
Researchers believe that the basic decision support suggestions they have made can be a starting point for future research-based refinements. By integrating information from engineering, human, and environmental issues, the decision support system will enable users to utilize a more comprehensive body of information. It can encourage stakeholders to broaden their decision criteria and also serve as an educational vehicle for non-technical personnel. If users take advantage of the full range of information provided, it should result in a better-rounded decision process. For the citizens, this could result in improved streets, dependable public utility systems, and overall, a better community in which to live.
The research team reflected the multiple perspectives that influence infrastructure decisions in all cities—social sciences (political science, business, and communication), engineering sciences, and ecological sciences. The research team was led by principal investigator and civil engineer, Dr. Timothy J. Lomax, Texas Transportation Institute, and Dr. Arnold Vedlitz, ISTPP director and political scientist. Other project team members included Dr. Scott Poole (communication), Dr. Marty D. Matlock (biological and agricultural engineering), and Dr. Robert Lytton (civil engineering).
