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Towards an Action Perspective for Urban Water Security: Design and Use of Indicators as a Boundary Object

Vargas-Farias, Andrea (2019) Towards an Action Perspective for Urban Water Security: Design and Use of Indicators as a Boundary Object.

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Abstract:Urban water security is a key concern in the context of urbanization and climate change, stressing the need for sound response from local authorities. Indicator-based frameworks are a suitable option to inform the policy decision making processes when aspects about their use are considered. We developed a comprehensive indicator-based framework set to be used by specialists and non-specialists to improve their understanding of integral water-related issues for the purpose of decision making about effective interventions. In order to do that, we identified the key design requisites that need to be considered for an indicator-based framework operationalized as a boundary object in terms of credibility, legitimacy, salience, visualization, context of use and flexibility. These requirements were integrated into a dynamic framework based on the Urban Water Security Dashboard, which characterizes cities based on their overall urban water security score following a systems approach. The resultant framework was applied to Mexico City and tested in an expert's session. This paper reports on the process of developing an insightful indicator-based framework and the object itself, and reflects on the effects caused in its context of use. We found out that aspects such as the actors directing the use of the framework play a big role in its success. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for the continuous development of the tool and for the use of the framework in practice.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:ET: Engineering Technology
Subject:56 civil engineering
Programme:Civil Engineering and Management MSc (60026)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/80024
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