Work Samplesprofessional + academic research 2009-2012megan marini

research Adaptive Capcity

Water Assessment System

Archive

CSUD

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ContentsConclusion

Adaptive CapcityInnovation processes for new ICTsPost-Earthquake Haiti

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AbstractNew information and communication technology (ICT) platforms that emerged during the humanitarian response to the 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, have been hyped for their ability to spatialize and coordinate disaster relief efforts and, more broadly, to assist short-term mitigation efforts. This research examines the role of recent innovations in ICT in augmenting the adaptive capacity of the Haitian state to carry out mitigation and adaptation planning. This work takes the stance that domestic innovation produces more suitable/well-adapted technologies for emerging economies and looks beyond individual innovations to examine the underlying structural issues that either facilitate or discourage these processes.

Methodology + Research Process My design uses a mixed methods approach and is structured to understand the efficacies and limitations of different applications of new SMS-based ICTs in order to assess the utility and feasibility for incorporating these technologies into the governmental framework. My research began with a review of existing literature on adaptation planning, failed states, decentralization and participation, technological innovation in emerging economies, and open source software. Case studies, analysis of system work flows, participant observation and interviews were used to assess the state and local uptake of three different mobile and open source platforms, including: Ushahidi/Noula, SIS-KLOR, and OpenStreetMap. The process was as follows:I. Inventory of actors and new ICTsII. Personal observation of access to ICT in Haiti and communication behavior and document reviewIII. Document review: budget, plans, and policy surrounding ICT and intellectual propertyIV. Mapping of system work flowsV. Semi-structured interviews

Fall 2011 - Spring 2012Program Masters ThesisProfessor S. Srinivas Conclusion

Data Synthesis + AnalysisAs a preliminary assessment, I conducted a survey of emerging platforms and the key actors who facilitated the introduction of new information and communication technologies in the 2010 Haiti disaster response, this was used to narrow down and select my case studies - one in each sector (public, private, and civil). Following this, three platforms were selected as my case studies. Mapping of work flows enabled me to see how many local and foreign actors were involved in each platform as operated under both foreign and local organizations. Additionally, this allowed me to assess how many derivative applications were developed from each platform (derivatives are also another indicator of innovation). These case studies were compiled into a chart in which I could compare the scalability, suitability, adaptability, government uptake, derivatives, and demand of each platform.

CASE 1: UNICEF -> DIRECTION D’EAU POTABLE ET ASSAINISSEMENT (DINEPA)

communication vector

uncertain communication vector

app

actor

funder

domestic

foreign

UNICEFKEY DINEPA OUTCOMES

UNICEF DINEPA

definitive closed loop systems

0 0

derivative applications 0 0

foreign actors 3 1

local actors 1 4

state actors 0 3

tapped into humanitarian response

Yes Yes

JAN 2010 OCT 2011 DEC 2011 FEB 2012

UNICEF

DINEPA

CTEs

UnicefNGOs

UN Clusters

Field Enumerator

SIS-KLORR

georeferenced+mapped

decoded+cleaned

SMS’d

notify

chlorinated

test results

DINEPA Ministry of HealthCTE

Unicef

Field Enumerator

CTE

SIS-KLOR

issues+

requests

decoded+

cleaned

SMS’d

SMS’d

notify

chlorinated

chlorinatedtest results

test results + +

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Using semi-structured interviews, I was able to piece together the evolution of each platform stemming from its conception/innovation to the adaptations made to the software to isolate the key differences, and the adoption of the technology by local institutions and organizations - particularly those of the state. I used a scarcity induced innovations (SII) matrix to determine the nature of the innovation.

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existing local solution. One can speculate or hypothesize as to whether the Noula platform was a direct

derivation or imitation of the international Ushahidi software, but from the initial problem identification

down to the different software’s employed by both organizations, it seems more likely that Noula was less

and imitation and more a domestic innovation.

Existing AIC Solution No AIC Solution

Suitable solution for DC

Technological transfer?

Ushahidi and Sahana existed but were impractical

Locally developed solution to problems posed in DCs ? X

No suitable solution for DC

Solution but not suitable? No solutions?

Fig 4.4: Scarcity induced innovations (SII) Matrix to determine the nature of the innovation (Srinivas & Sutz, 2008) Unique features?

The Noula platform departs from Ushahidi’s model in many aspects of the execution:

1. Categorization: The Noula platform differs from Ushahidi in the it’s categorization of events, the

Noula platform incorporated more long-term needs such as ‘Employment and Socio-economic

Assistance’ where as the Ushahidi platform was looking more specifically at crisis events. In

another observation, Noula has fewer variations in categorization than Ushahidi, who’s categories

were constantly broadening.

2. Call center: The call center enabled Noula to create direct linkages between the disaster affected

community in Port au Prince and the humanitarian response, most likely one of the main reasons

why Ushahidi wasn’t as successful as Noula. The operators are Solutions S.A. staff and speak

Kreyol.12

12 According to an IFRC Beneficiary Communications Evalution, 85% of Red Cross beneficiaries surveyed were happy with Noula’s call center.

CASE 2: HUMANITARIAN OPENSTREETMAP TEAM (HOT) -> COMITE OPENSTREETMAP D’HAITI (C-OSM.HA)CASE 1: UNICEF -> DIRECTION D’EAU POTABLE ET ASSAINISSEMENT (DINEPA)

OSM COSMHA

2-way communication flows

1 1

derivative applications 0 0

foreign actors 8 4

local actors 0 2

state actors 0 0

tapped into humanitarian response

Yes Yes

communication vector

uncertain communication vector

app

actor

funder

domestic

foreign

HOTKEY C.OSM-HA OUTCOMES

JAN 2010 JAN 2011

HUMANITARIAN OSM TEAM (HOT) COMITE D’OPEN STREET MAP D’HAITI (C-OSM.HA)

3000

2000

1000

JAN2010 FEB MAY SEPT

0

USHAHIDI

TOTAL MESSAGES RECEIVED PER MONTH

CASE 3: COMMUNICATION FLOW/SYSTEM ANALYSIS: USHAHIDI -> NOULA

NOULA

communication vector

uncertain communication vector

app

actor

funder

domestic

foreign

Case 1: Ushahidi Haiti / Noula

UHP

Jan 2010 Feb 2010 May 2010

Noula

Solutions S.A.

177

Noula

georeference+record

immediateadvice

advice + counseling questionaire

respond

respond

respond

respondRed Cross

IOM

Police Department

O�ce for Public Security

RadyoTap Tap

Program16-6

Program16-6

communication vector

KEY:

Foreign Actor

Domestic Actor

app

Funders/Donors

funding vector

uncertain vector

Noula •32-wayflowsof communication•2definativeclosedloop systems• 4 derivation applications• 2 Foreign Actors• 3 Local Actors• 2 state actors•Tappedintoformal humanitarian response

CrowdFlower

4636

Ushahidi

coordinate+funds

translate

georeference

rss feed

georeference

respond

respond

SMS

Georgia Tech School of Comp Science

MarinesSouthern Command

US Coast Guard

UHP Fletcher School

Mission 4636

InSTEDDState DepartmentSMS Medic

USHAHIDIKEY NOULA OUTCOMES

Ushahidi Noula

2-way communication flows

0 3

closed loop systems 0 2

derivative applications 0 4

foreign actors 8 2

local actors 0 3

state actors 0 2

tapped into humanitarian response

No Yes

Data Synthesis + Analysis Cont.To inform recommendations, I tested existing theories on intellectual property regimes (IPR) and innovation specifically one hypothesizing that there exists a trade-off between the imitation of foreign technologies and domestic innovation. I analyzed ongoing plans in the ICT sector, intellectual property rights policy and legislation, and periodicals and public statements made by political authorities to understand the institutional framework and the political importance placed on modernization of ICTs. Furthering this, I collected data on patent applications filed by Caribbean countries with similar socio-economic profiles as well as the number of domestic IP (intellectual property) related decrees in each country and the number of international IP treaties each country is engaged in. Using this data, I ran rudimentary regressions to uncover the relationship and statistical significance of patent applications (an innovation indicator/variable) and international treaty memberships/domestic IP decrees.

ChallengesAbove all, logistical and time constraints posed significant challenges to the comprehensiveness of the research and analysis. Document and periodical reviews were used in lieu of certain surveys that I had anticipated on conducting.

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TOTAL MESSAGES RECEIVED PER MONTH

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Fig 3.1 Graph of patent applications per year in varying Caribbean countries8[Source: US Patent and Trademark Office Patent Technology Monitoring Team (PTMT)].

Fig 3.2 Graph of total patent applications and number of domestic IP related decrees per Caribbean country9 [Source: US Patent and Trademark Office Patent Technology Monitoring Team (PTMT), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)].

Fig 3.3 Chart of the aggregate number of patent applications in varying Caribbean countries10 with available data, in relation to the number of WIPO, U N, and WTO IP-related treaties per country [Source: US Patent and Trademark Office; WIPO].

8 There is no data available on patent applications in Haiti from the Ministry responsible for such applications, the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 9 There is no data available on patent applications in Haiti from the Ministry responsible for such applications, the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

0

50

100

150

200

250

Cuba Jamaica Dominican Republic

Bahamas Haiti

Domestic IPR Strength & Innovation

Patent Applications

Domestic IPRs

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Haiti The Bahamas Dominican Republic

Jamaica Cuba

Patent applications and IP-related treaties in the Caribbean

Number of Treaties

Patent Applications

Cuba0

100

200

Jamaica DominicanRepublica

Bahamas Haiti

Patent Applications

Domestic IPRs

DOMESTIC IPR STRENGTH + INNOVATION

PATENT APPLICATIONS IN CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES <1998-2011

0

4

8

12

16

HaitiJamaicaDominican Republic

Cuba

The Bahamas

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

WASwater assessment systemBenin, West Africa

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Spring 2012Program mobile technology platformProfessor P. Mechael; M. Berg Collaborators C. Rackish; M. Mielke

AbstractThe goal of this seminar was to become familiarized with new media and information and communication technologies for social change and development. The final deliverable was to develop an ICT platform/system that can address a major development issue. In our case, water was identified as our target issue since access to potable water remains one of the most fundamental challenges for developing communities. To this effect, water scarcity, sensitization, water system quality, and maintenance pose the greatest obstacles to the provision of water access, especially in rural environments. However, for the purposes of our application, we will focus primarily on the later three since physical access to water in resource poor areas remains an issue that cannot be easily addressed by information and communication technologies.

Methodology + Research Process The research began with a competitor analysis for water assessment systems ; and a technology analysis wherein it was decided which issues could be confronted by a technology platform.

As a second component, challenges and risks associated with water service provision were assessed. From here we narrowed down a particular intervention zone in which to implement a mobile technology platform to address this issue. The following phase was the development of a conceptual budget for pre-assessment, system development, training, piloting, iterative design and monitoring and evaluation in our focus area: Benin. Following the specification of a site area, we conducted a stakeholder and institutional analysis to identify breakdowns and inefficiencies in communication flows that this platform could help to bridge and key actors to engage. Subsequent to this, a system assessment of engaged actors was conducted to ensure that interoperable standards between partner organization databases and platforms were considered. Additionally, a framework for monitoring and evaluation was established to plan for iterative design and impact assessment.

ChallengesDesigning and planning for a theoretical technology platform made this project especially challenging. My project group made the decision to define the focus area as narrowly as possible and select an area in which we have had prior experience with so as to ground the project in reality. In this way, our platform could feasibly be implemented.

WASWater Community

Supplier Systems

Water Department Systems

Health Department Systems

+

SYSTEM INTEROPERABILITY

EXISTING WATER CHAIN OF COMMAND

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1

National Department of Water Direction de l’information d’eau

National Ministry of Health

1

3

+5

4

Regional Dept. sends a bi-monthly reminder SMS to village water comittee to conduct water testing

Database is shared with national departments of water and health for long-term monitoring purposes.

Department of Water monitors nitrate and flouride levels over the long-term. If contamina-tion is detected, the depart-ment will take action to close down water pump and locate a new source.

Water comittee conducts test and submits test results via SMS report, which is entered into an automated database via RapidSMS

Department of Health identifies areas in need of behavior change to conduct sensitization activities.

2

Regional Dept. WaterCall Center + Maintenance Hub

Village Water Comittee

TESTING + MONITORING WORK FLOW

2

3

4

Receipt that pump is fixed or supplies were delivered is sent so ticket can be closed.

SMS message is entered into an automated database. Regional call center operater opens a ticket and forwards information to responsible officials or in-house technician for coordinating repair or restock.

Village Water Comittee

Regional Dept. WaterCall Center + Maintenance Hub

Watter committee sends SMS alert to regional government detailing system failure or specific restocking needs (such as chlorine tablets or powder or specific system parts/filter).

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Regional Dept. places a voice call to Water Committee with DIY instructions. If this does not fix the problem, a technician is sent to do repairs or restock supplies.

2 MAINTENANCE WORKFLOW

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AbstractMy involvement with Kay e Sante nan Ayiti has been very hands-on over a 3-year period, I served primarily as a field researcher and project assistant manager. ARCHIVE was approached by an organization based in St. Marc, Haiti that provides psycho-social care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). As housing is a critical concern amongst PLWHA - a condition still very much stigmatized in Haiti ARCHIVE was asked to develop a community wellness and housing complex to service this vulnerable population. Since roughly half of all PLWHA will develop Tuberculosis (TB) in their lifetime, ARCHIVE’s primary focus was to provide housing that can decrease the transmission of this highly infectious disease through improvements in living conditions such as decreased occupancy, increased ventilation, and various material and design strategies. In order to solicit innovation in design, it was decided to host an international design competition for the housing prorotypes.

MethodologyThe research team chose to create surveys to recreate a model of the study area using a method called computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling - this was in order to understand how Haitians traditionally build homes and how well the traditional materials allow for ventilation and other factors that ARCHIVE had proven to contribute to the transmission of Tuberculosis (TB). This model was used to create a baseline of housing conditions in the area against which to compare future improvements in housing conditions during the occupancy period. Any decrease in the rate of TB would be measured using indicators proven to impact TB (mechanical/natural ventilation, crowding, air flow, particle count, relative humidity, temperature) and would be used as variables against controls such as construction materials and methods/design; the significance of a relationship would be tested using a chi squared test (a statistical analysis).

2009-2011Program Community Wellness ComplexOrganization ARCHIVE InstituteSupervisors P. Williams, J. Guttierez, K.Kocarek

Archivekay e sante nan ayitist. marc, haiti

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Research Process This extensive study began with preliminary investigations into field conditions, this includes primarily document and periodical review. The next phase of research involved myself independently conducting ethnographic studies in the field over a three-month period to understand common issues and daily lives of PLWHA. The purpose of this site visit was also to establish the parameters and criteria for a housing design competition and to establish a baseline for housing conditions. To establish design and programmatic parameters I conducted numerous semi-structured interviews, photographic and video documentation, site surveys, material pricing analysis, and community design charrettes. In order to create a CFD model to establish baseline housing conditions, 60 surveys were administered and data loggers were placed in each home to measure environmental conditions such as relative humidity, temperature, particle counts, and ventilation over a 30-day period. The result of this research was compiled into two compendiums which were distributed amongst competition participants.

Data Synthesis + AnalysisWhile I compiled the collected data into a comprehensive database in which each question was coded to prepare for preliminary regressions - no analysis has been conducted thusfar. This is due to postponed funding, and a delayed construction period. Once construction is completed and the occupancy period has begun, then analysis will be conducted to determine the significance of housing interventions to improvements in health.

SITE ANALYSIS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OUTCOME

ChallengesThis particular research project involved many challenges, mostly stemming from the obvious language barrier. I quickly learned Haitian Kreyol in order to effectively communicate with locals and administer surveys.Additionally, since this research involved an extremely sensitive population, privacy was of utmost concern. Any disclosure of the HIV status of PLWHA patients could result in significant damage to the livelihood and personal relationships of patients. Visitations to homes were further complicated because many are dependent on family members who do not know the HIV status of the patients. I was able to overcome these challenges by working closely with social workers at the partner/client organization to understand the family and living situation of each patient visited. I personally ensured the security of the survey documents and did not outwardly asking revealing questions in close proximity to family members when I knew this was a risk.

ImplementationConstruction of the first two housing prototypes : Shutter Dwelling and Maison Canopy occured during 2012 - Breathe House still in progress.

CSUDPlanning praxis Cote Sud, Haiti

AbstractThe first Earth Institute Millenium Village Project (MVP) outside of Africa was scheduled to take place in the south coast of Haiti in conjunction with a larger regional planning initiative entitled the Initiative Cote Sud (CSI). The Center for Sustainable Urban Development’s role in this project was to contribute a local integration and higher education component. Our work focused on understanding local governance and planning processes within this region in order to integrate the CSI into the existing framework and advise on community engagement strategies.

Methodology + Research ProcessOur research began with a colleague of mine who conducted semi-struc-tured interviews on the ground to unearth the framework of existing local planning processes. During this time, she collected extensive documents on the subject. My role in the research project was to conduct a literature review on planning, higher education systems, land tenure, and political economy in Haiti and the Caribbean. From here, we discovered that planning practice was a largely neglected subject matter. We chose to conduct a document review of the collected plans in order to better understand such processes and the political dynamics and actors involved in decision making.

Fall 2011 - Spring 2012Program Regional Planning InitiativeOrganization Center for Sustainable Urban Development (CSUD)Supervisor J. Klopp; E. Marcello

For this, I analyzed 20 planning documents to understand existing planning processes for technical data collection and input, community and local knowledge input, planning agents versus implementing agents, costing, consideration of larger plans, etc. After this was completed, follow-up site research and interviews would be conducted to asses the status/success of each plan. The success of each plan would be compared against the variables listed in the document review to understand key components that contribute to successful (both politically and outcome-based) plans.

ChallengesThe primary challenges associated with this particular research concerned dealing with the discrepancy of interpretation and variable inputs given by different team members contributing to the document review. In this instance, the work was delegated to a singular person (myself) so that a inputs were standardized.

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