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on Project, Program and Portfolio Management |
| By: | Aaron I. Plex Sulá (UF - University of Florida [Gainesville]); Valentina de Col (ICARDA - Centre international de recherche agricole dans les zones arides); Berea A. Etherton (UF - University of Florida [Gainesville]); Yanru Xing (UF - University of Florida [Gainesville]); Amogh Agarwal (UF - University of Florida [Gainesville]); Lejla Ramić (UF - University of Florida [Gainesville]); Enrico Bonaiuti (ICARDA - Centre international de recherche agricole dans les zones arides); Michael Friedmann (CIP - Centre international de la pomme de terre); Claudio Proietti (Dims - Direction de l'impact et du marketing de la science - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement); Graham Thiele (CIP - Centre international de la pomme de terre); Karen A. Garrett (UF - University of Florida [Gainesville]) |
| Abstract: | CONTEXT: Understanding research collaboration in diverse scientific communities is key to building global agricultural research systems that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Characterizing collaboration patterns can inform decisions to enhance the structure and dynamics of research programs. OBJECTIVE: We introduce a new analytic framework for evaluating collaborative research networks based on scientific publications, and an associated conceptual framework for the role of research networks in achieving societal goals. We analyzed two CGIAR Research Programs: Grain Legumes and Dryland Cereals (GLDC) and Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). The analysis provides a multi-dimensional perspective on a set of key questions related to research team composition, research management structures, and performance of scientific publications. METHODS: We quantified network structures of research collaborations at the level of authors, institutions, countries, and management structures, including use of temporal exponential random graph models. We used regression models to understand the associations between the characteristics of authors and publications, and the corresponding citation rates and Altmetric Attention Scores. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified key network hubs in the collaboration networks of both CGIAR programs. The proportion of women as authors in publications was less than a third, with a low likelihood of co-authorship between women. Institutional hubs were identified by institutional categories; these were often institutions that are considered CGIAR program "participants", and a few were "planning partners". For both GLDC and RTB, the countries that were the focus of most research coincided with the program's priority countries. Most international collaborations occurred between institutions headquartered in Global South countries, but most intercontinental collaborations occurred between Global South and Global North countries. Most institution and author co-authorships occurred in only one year and rarely lasted two or three consecutive years. High diversity in the geographic affiliations of authors, along with highly collaborative teams, as opposed to simply the number of authors, consistently were associated with more citations and higher Altmetric Attention Scores. SIGNIFICANCE: These analyses reveal key structures in research collaboration networks in GLDC and RTB research programs, with potential to guide agricultural research systems for sustainable development. Considering these outcomes from past research management can help scientists, program managers, and funders increase the success of new research projects. Specifically, future research management strategies need to fortify existing scientific capacity and development through gender parity and balanced international collaborations, working toward more impactful publications and increased development relevance, while team size increases over time. |
| Keywords: | réseau de recherche, recherche agronomique, développement agricole, innovation agricole, analyse de réseau, gestion des ressources naturelles, programme de développement, programme de recherche, Knowledge management, Network analysis, Science of science, Science mapping, Successful research networks, Web of Science, Agricultural innovation |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05182057 |
| By: | Godinho, Enzo; Mattos, Beatriz |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in challenging global financial hierarchies while fostering an ecological transition. The NDB, established by BRICS, has a mechanism of providing development finance in local currency, which could reduce dependency on core currencies like the dollar (USD) and the euro (EUR), offering an alternative for peripheral economies to finance sustainable development. Given the institutionalization of the green economy agenda and the rise of green finance, the paper raises elements to assess the NDB's contribution to the ecological transition through its investment strategy. Our analysis builds on structuralist and dependency theories, identifying three interlinked hierarchies - productive, currency, and environmental - that shape global financial asymmetries. We examine the NDB's project portfolio from 2016 to 2024 and the interplay between the projects' area of operation, currency of funding, and country of implementation. The findings indicate that, while the NDB has made strides in funding sustainable infrastructure, its operations remain largely embedded within dominant currency systems. |
| Keywords: | New Development Bank (NDB), BRICS, Green Finance, Currency Hierarchy, Ecological Transition, Development Finance, Sustainable Infrastructure |
| JEL: | F33 F55 O44 Q56 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ipewps:324644 |
| By: | Marie Arnold; Jonathan Brandt; Geert Tjarks; Anna Vanselow; Richard Hanke-Rauschenbach |
| Abstract: | A key factor in reducing the cost of green hydrogen production projects using water electrolysis systems is to minimize the degradation of the electrolyzer stacks, as this impacts the lifetime of the stacks and therefore the frequency of their replacement. To create a better understanding of the economics of stack degradation, we present a linear optimization approach minimizing the costs of a green hydrogen supply chain including an electrolyzer with degradation modeling. By calculating the levelized cost of hydrogen depending on a variable degradation threshold, the cost optimal time for stack replacement can be identified. We further study how this optimal time of replacement is affected by uncertainties such as the degradation scale, the load-dependency of both degradation and energy demand, and the costs of the electrolyzer. The variation of the identified major uncertainty degradation scale results in a difference of up to 9 years regarding the cost optimal time for stack replacement, respectively lifetime of the stacks. Therefore, a better understanding of the degradation impact is imperative for project cost reductions, which in turn would support a proceeding hydrogen market ramp-up. |
| Date: | 2025–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2508.16370 |
| By: | Kruger, Wikus; Cassimon, Danny |
| Abstract: | Achieving Africa’s energy and infrastructure goals requires unprecedented investment, but foreign currency reliance in project finance exposes governments and utilities to systemic currency risk. This working paper explores the structural, financial, and political economy dimensions of currency mismatch in African power projects, and those executed by so-called (private sector) Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in particular, where revenues are in local currency but debt obligations are in hard currency. It argues that traditional solutions - such as sovereign guarantees and hard currency Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) - are increasingly unsustainable, exacerbating fiscal vulnerabilities and undermining long-term resilience. The paper examines the state of local capital markets across Africa, the evolution of PPA structures, and the consequences of unmanaged foreign exchange risk on utilities, consumers, and governments. Through detailed case studies, it illustrates the limitations of prevailing models and highlights emerging alternatives - including local currency PPAs, partial indexation mechanisms, and innovative risk mitigation tools. Focusing in particular on TCX (The Currency Exchange Fund), the study evaluates its potential to scale hedging solutions across frontier markets, and outlines how procurement reform and blended finance can integrate FX risk management into project design. The paper concludes with a set of actionable recommendations for governments, donors, DFIs, and domestic financial actors to enable a shift toward a new investment architecture - one that is locally anchored, fiscally responsible, and better aligned with the goals of universal access and a just energy transition. |
| Keywords: | currency risk, de-risking, currency hedging, renewable energy finance, TCX, Africa |
| JEL: | G11 G32 H63 O22 O55 Q2 |
| Date: | 2025–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iob:wpaper:2025.12 |
| By: | Bell, Peter; Braun, Andrew |
| Abstract: | Financial statistics can be used to understand mining exploration and development companies that are successful over time. For example, how do the acquisition costs compare to exploration spending for the most bullish projects? These statistics can be generalized between mining exploration companies, and this paper demonstrates basic statistics calculated using only a few variables from the financial records of SEABRIDGE GOLD INC. from 2000 to 2024 as a case study of success. |
| Keywords: | Engineering Economics, Mining, Royalties, Finance |
| JEL: | C00 G0 L72 |
| Date: | 2025–07–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:125480 |
| By: | Plantinga, Paul; Ayodele, Odilile; Sanchez, Diana Carolina; Daniels, Chux; Davids, Yul Derek; Dlamini, Simangele; Mosiea, Tshepang |
| Abstract: | In South Africa, e-participation initiatives tend to be localised to individual municipality departments and units, often for a short time period and with limited influence on policymaking. Ensuring these initiatives are more impactful and sustaining them over a longer duration is usually seen as an issue of institutionalisation. However, meaningful e-participation involves a more fundamental reconfiguration of relationships between citizens and governments which suggests a narrow institutionalisation lens may underplay the depth of changes that are involved. For this reason, we look to an emerging body of research on ‘transformative innovation policy’ (TIP) which has explored the ways in which innovations are nurtured and scaled as part of a systemic change process. By mapping key literature on e-participation institutionalisation and diffusion against the twelve TIP sub-processes, with a specific consideration of African and developing country issues, we identify potential opportunities for directing e-participation implementation and governance towards impactful outcomes. This mapping is to be used for an in-depth analysis of e-participation pilot projects currently being implemented in South Africa. |
| Date: | 2025–08–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:j5s6w_v1 |
| By: | Ilicic, Joanna; Maestripieri, Lorenzo; Dobrovich, Greta; Ignaciuk, Adriana; Rottem, Alma |
| Abstract: | This paper proposes a novel methodology for calculating marginal abatement cost curves (MACCs) for public finance in agriculture using granular data on specific activities from investment projects. The proposed MACCs target public investment decision makers from the international and national financing institutions, as well as governments. The methodology is based on information obtained from agricultural projects implemented by international funding institutions (IFIs) and carbon accounting appraisals conducted using the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) EX-Ante Carbon-balance Tool (EX-ACT). The curves are estimated through a bottom-up approach, in which actual data on mitigation potential of agricultural investments and their associated costs are used to derive the cost-effectiveness of individual agricultural activities. The resulting curves illustrate the relationship between the cost of each individual activity and their individual mitigation potential helping decision makers to identify how to achieve best results at lowest cost. The application of the methodology is demonstrated using a sample portfolio of projects under World Bank’s Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP).Isolating the contribution of individual practices and highlighting their contextual cost-efficiency is a key factor in investment decision making for private and public entities aligning with the global climate targets. Given the complexity of estimating real costs, bottom-up MACCs offer a precious reference for evaluating activities' abatement potential and supporting decision-making processes of policymakers and investors interested in efficient and climate-friendly investments. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Climate Change, Environmental Economics and Policy, Research Research Methods/Statistical Methods |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:faoaes:365826 |