This paper presents the first outcomes of the “FAIRMODE pilot” activity, aiming at improving the way in which air quality models are used in the frame of the European “Air Quality Directive”. Member States may use modelling, combined with measurements, to “assess” current levels of air quality and estimate future air quality under different scenarios. In case of current and potential exceedances of the Directive limit values, it is also requested that they “plan” and implement emission reductions measures to avoid future exceedances. In both “assessment” and “planning”, air quality models can and should be used; but to do so, the used modelling chain has to be fit-for-purpose and properly checked and verified. FAIRMODE has developed in the recent years a suite of methodologies and tools to check if emission inventories, model performance, source apportionment techniques and planning activities are fit-for-purpose. Within the “FAIRMODE pilot”, these tools are used and tested by regional/local authorities, with the two-fold objective of improving management practices at regional/local scale, and providing valuable feedback to the FAIRMODE community. Results and lessons learnt from this activity are presented in this paper, as a showcase that can potentially benefit other authorities in charge of air quality assessment and planning.
Accreditation of public works departments is a new method of improving quality of service that incorporates best management practices. Using a self-administered survey of 166 public works employees, this study examines the effects of accreditation on the towns of Greeley, Colorado, and Schaumburg, Illinois, currently the only communities to have completed the accreditation process. Results from chisquare tests and correlation coefficients indicated that communication among employees and communication between management and staff are statistically significant factors in the quality of service provided by employees. The other important factor correlated with quality of service was job knowledge that comes from the accreditation process. Findings suggest that benefits from accreditation, such as increased communication and job knowledge, are not captured in traditional performance measures of public works departments. Conclusions suggest that although higher quality of service can be a reason to pursue accreditation, administrators should consider survey techniques to capture its benefits.
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