Using argumentative mapping and qualitative probabilistic network in resettlement planning process: A case study of Padma Multi-purpose Bridge Project

Using argumentative mapping and qualitative probabilistic network in resettlement planning process: A case study of Padma Multi-purpose Bridge Project

This paper describes an alternative methodology for representing and analyzing diversified views of project Affected Persons (APs) in order to facilitate development processes for resettlement planning. The traditional methodologies including Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSS) and Argumentation Support Systems have at times showed their ineffectiveness in terms of gathering, analyzing and incorporating diversified views of project APs into necessary strategies and actions. This ineffectiveness is due to the fact that they have limitations in dealing with ill-structured problems and uncertainty to analyze alternative strategies or management options. The paper therefore, proposes an integrated method in order to encounter these limitations. The integrated method is based on a combination of Argumentative Mapping for Resettlement Planning (AMRP) and Qualitative Probabilistic Networks (QPNs). The new methodology was introduced in a large-scale infrastructure project, namely Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project, Bangladesh to verify its applicability. Scenario-based analyses for different combination of management options/interventions within the developed qualitative probabilistic networks were conducted which provided basis for a list of recommendations. Results derived from the scenario-based analyses not only provide better insights of the land acquisition and resettlement-related problems, but also indicate critical management options for desired objectives.