The evacuation planning problem can be viewed as different variants of dynamic flow maximization and time minimization problems. An optimal solution to the latter problem sends a given amount of flow from disaster zones to safe zones in minimum time. We solve this problem on an embedded integrated network of a prioritized primary and a bus-routed secondary sub-networks. For a lexicographically maximum (lex-max) dynamic flow problem, we are given a time horizon and a prioritized network, where we need a feasible dynamic flow that lexicographically maximizes the flow amount leaving each terminal respecting the priority. Here, we use the quickest transshipment partial arc reversal strategy to collect the evacuees in minimum time from the disaster zones to the pickup locations of the primary sub-network. By treating such pickup locations as sources, the available set of transit-buses is assigned in the secondary sub-network to shift the evacuees finally to the sinks on the first-come-first-serve basis. This novel approach proposed here is better suited for the simultaneous flow of evacuees with minimum waiting delay at such pickup locations in the integrated evacuation network topology. The lane reversal strategy significantly reduces the evacuation time, whereas reversing them only partially has an additional benefit that the unused road capacities can be used for supplying emergency logistics and allocating facilities as well.

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Evacuation planning problem deals with sending the maximum number of evacuees from the danger zone to the safe zone in minimum time as eciently as possible. The dynamic network flow models for various evacuation network topology have been found suitable for the solution of such a problem. Bus based evacuation planning problem (BEPP), as an important variant of the vehicle routing problem (VRP), is one of the emerging evacuation planning problems. In this work, an organized overview of this problem with a focus on their solution status is compactly presented. Arrival patterns of the evacuees including their transshipments at different pickup locations and their assignments are presented. Finally, a BEPP model and a solution for a special network are also proposed.

The quickest transshipment of the evacuees in an integrated evacuation network topology depends upon the evacuee arrival pattern in the collection network and their better assignment in the assignment network with appropriate traffic route guidance, destination optimization, and an optimal route. In this work, the quickest transshipment aspect in an integrated evacuation network topology is revisited concerning a transit-based evacuation system. Appropriate collection approaches for the evacuees and their better assignment to transit vehicles for their quickest transshipment in an embedded evacuation network are presented with their solution strategies.

Prior to entering the workforce, engineering students are expected to be highly skilled and contribute to decision-making with confidence in their abilities. Despite this, most students are lacking in these areas. Engineering students typically have a hard time finding work because they lack the necessary skills and are unable to take decisions with confidence. Accordingly, the Washington accord created job-ready features for engineering students that contain core knowledge and design (FKD), project management and finance (PMF), communication (C), modern tool use (MTU), teamwork (TW), engineers’ society and environment (ESE), ethics (E), and lifetime learning (LL). Work readiness (WR) literature will be examined in this study in an effort to promote decision-making self-efficacy (DMSE), which in turn leads to more successful career exploration (CE). Career discovery is then examined as a two-step process, with work readiness influencing decision-making self-efficacy and decision-making self-efficacy influencing career exploration. Malaysian private engineering universities were surveyed using a quantitative way to acquire the data. Results found a strong correlation between work readiness and decision-making self-efficacy, according to scientific evidence. Decision-making self-efficacy was also found to have a significant impact on career exploration. This study is to be useful to curtail unemployment by adopting the required skill set, which will help universities to produce engineers who are able to contribute to decision making with confidence towards exploring their careers. Overall, the results of this study might provide significant information to the related institutions and policymakers on the scarcity of decision-making of talented engineering students in Malaysia.