BUS5AP: Problem Formulation of Analytical Tasks for Melbourne City

This briefing note and accompanying assignment addresses the problem formulation of analytical tasks for the city of Melbourne, focusing on leveraging the city's open data portal to enhance urban planning and development. The assignment, written for a business analytics advisor to the Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, identifies key deliverables such as park enhancement, improved transport, land use optimization, and commercial/residential area development. It acknowledges various constraints, including land use controls, building codes, and construction costs, as well as assumptions about population growth and increased reliance on public transport. The report proposes ideas such as expanding park sizes, developing cycling infrastructure, and optimizing land use to accommodate a growing population, all while addressing potential issues like congestion and urban sprawl. The structure of the report includes an issue tree to visually represent the core problems and their relationships, enhancing the understanding of the complex challenges faced by the city. The document showcases how data-driven insights can inform strategic decisions and contribute to a more sustainable and livable Melbourne.

Running head: BRIEFING NOTE 1
Briefing note
Institution
Student
Date

BRIEFING NOTE 2
Problem Formulation of Analytical Tasks
Briefing Note
Background
Melbourne is ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities. It is ranked among other word
class cities with the best health care facilities, environment, infrastructure, culture, and education
amenities. However, Melbourne should rise above these traditional indicators and consider other
factors such as sustainability and stability that affects the lives of people who actually leave in
the city. As demonstrated in this insight and plan briefing note, the state of Melbourne can
effectively be enhanced by use of the data available on the open data portal.
Deliverables
 To enhance the planning for Melbourne parks
 To enhance transport and safety throughout the city
 To enhance use of land in Melbourne
 To develop city’s major commercial and residential areas
Constraints
There are various factors that constrain the successful implementation of the above deliverables.
Stated Constraints
Land Use Controls: Australian Government controls features such as lot area and dimensions,
height and bulk of buildings, building use, and yard setbacks. These zoning standards are very
rigid and may not allow of sufficient or flexible use of land.

BRIEFING NOTE 3
Building Codes: These are governmental standards enforced to control the physical construction
of residential areas and include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing codes.
Cost of Construction: The rising cost of materials and labor are constantly increasing housing
improvement and development cost of Melbourne city.
Implied Constraints
Site Improvements: Housing projects in Melbourne are required to be consisted with other
Australian major cities.
Permit Processing: State government of Melbourne offers in-house construction inspection
services, and has formed contracts with engineering and planning consultants. Any individual or
organization strategizing to engage in any public work project should get their permits that
normally take long to process.
Assumptions
 The population of Melbourne city is forecasted to increase from the current 4.936 million to
about 6.2 million by 2041. This increase will lead to a rise in the number of private
dwellings, people in private and non-private residences as well as the size of average
households. This local population growth rate is a highly reasonable assumption since it is a
basic postulation that reinforces the significance of the city development and improvement
plan.
 Melbourne traffic will increase dramatically impelling most of the residents to use public
transport in bigger numbers. This increase is also bound to increase residents’ reliance on the
city’s transport infrastructures. Thus, developing a “transit ready” city with numerous modes

BRIEFING NOTE 4
of transport will serve the wellbeing and health of the residents and afford more effective use
of resources and land.
 Local economic growth and development should emphasize more on business retention and
expansion, job creation, and generation of municipal revenue generation. Melbourne plans to
assist local business growth and attract more jobs and businesses. Enhancing the available
commercial space and overall infrastructure is crucial to the success of this effort.
Ideas I want to Pitch
Almost 50% of parks in Melbourne are less than 5000 square meters (half a hectare). Australia’s
public open spaces such as parks have vital benefits for the wellbeing and health of citizens. As a
result, Melbourne parks need to be vast enough to support physical activities and enable the
people realize such benefits.
Cycling in Melbourne is becoming more and more popular. In a typical week, about 21, 000
residents ride and at least 38, 200 ride at least once in a normal year. Such huge cycling
populations are a menace since they contribute to increase in congestions and traffic jams.
Developing separated lanes would make cycling in this city more accessible and convenient. We
can enhance cycling by making it more convenient, safe, and healthy on major cycling corridors
by developing well connected bike networks.
Melbourne (especially the West Melbourne) land is capable of accommodating more diverse
uses that can provide a sustainable and livable environment with infrastructure, businesses, and
jobs to service the region’s growing population. It is vital to put the capacity of the land into
consideration in order to continue supporting uses that serve the most essential needs of the
dwellers.

BRIEFING NOTE 5
Population of Melbourne is anticipated to reach 6.2 million by 2041 and all these people must
live somewhere. Poorly managed population may subject the city to problems such as increase in
crime. We therefore have to plan on how to accommodate the growing population in a manner
that restrains urban sprawl and sustains livability. Similarly, commercial centers need to be
refurbished in order to support self-employment, facilitate money circulation, and serve many
other roles in the city.

BRIEFING NOTE 6
Appendix
Issue Tree
Development of Melbourne
City
Small Sized City Parks Ineffective Land UsePoor Transport Networks Unenhanced commercial
and residential areas
Inadequate
recreational
facilities
Decreased
municipal
revenue
Increase in
congestions and
traffic jams
Inadequate
public
transportation
facilities
Few self-
employment
opportunities
Low living
standards
Unsatisfied
industrial,
housing, and
commercial
needs of
people
Low urban
development
of the city