Project Tasks: Workpackages

The work programme breaks into six distinct, but closely linked, work packages. These are illustrated in the diagram below. The packages follow a logical sequence starting from the initial consultation with stakeholders, to the development of the Bns, to the final evaluation and production of the generic tool.

• The first tasks are to identify and consult the stakeholder groups at each of the four sites. These are included in Workpackage 1. The University of Birmingham will provide expert input to help formulate the correct way to organise and control stakeholder meetings so as to achieve the required objective. This objective will be to identify the key issues in each area as perceived by the stakeholders. Those issues that emerge will be incorporated as variables within the Bn.
  
  
• Stakeholder groups will continue to be consulted throughout the course of the project. It is important to stress that we do not intend to develop a management plan for the entire catchment, there will not be the time or resources for this. Instead we plan to identify a sub-set of issues, based on the outcome of the stakeholder meetings, in order to demonstrate how Bayesian networks can be used as a management tool. It is not possible to identify which issues will be addressed in advance of the stakeholder consultations. Further information about MERIT Workpackage 1.
  

• The task of designing the Bns falls into Workpackage 2, lead by Aalborg University. Input from WP1 will provide the initial information on which the design of the networks can begin. Once the basic structure is in place then the data and models needed to generate the conditional probability tables (CPTs) which drive the network can be input. Further information about MERIT Workpackage 2.
  
  Data collection and identification of suitable models forms the content of Workpackage 3, for which GEUS has the lead role. Partners will collect all the necessary environmental, economic and social data for their own site. It should be noted that each partner has at least one socio-economic specialist in their team to collect the relevant social and economic data required for the network. Further information about MERIT Workpackage 3.
  
  
• Once the Bns are complete, they will then be evaluated within Workpackage 4. This will be led by CESI. The evaluation exercise will be used to show how different management options will impact on a range of selected 'indicator' variables. The different options will lead to changes in the states of all linked variables and show how the system is responding. Success will be judged in terms of whether the networks provide the type of output that can be used by planners and managers to make their decisions. Further information about MERIT Workpackage 4.
  
  
• Following the evaluation of each network we will be in a position to produce a package of guidelines for the construction of a generic tool, which can be applied to other regions of Europe. This forms the basis of Workpackage 5, led by the University of La Mancha. The package of guidelines will enable water resource managers to create a network relevant to their region. The guidelines will cover a number of topics: the design of networks, selection of variables, identification of 'indicator' variables and the various techniques available to generate conditional probability tables. The guidelines will also cover the problem of how best to consult stakeholders in a way that enables them to become involved with the decision making process. Complete networks of the four case studies will be included to illustrate the way in which the technique can be used. Further information about MERIT Workpackage 5.
  
  
• Workpackage 6 covers all report writing and dissemination activities. This includes the production of interim and final reports as well the organisation of stakeholder workshops. The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology will take the lead role for WP6, which again is ongoing throughout the project cycle. Further information about MERIT Workpackage 6.