Energetická vs. environmentálna bezpečnosť: Prípad ropovodu Bratislava–Schwechat

The paper analyses the development of the Bratislava–Schwechat Pipeline, which is supposed to connect the Slovak and Austrian oil pipeline networks. The research question asks why the project is being developed without taking into account arguments concerning environmental security even though rather significant environmental opposition to the pipeline has arisen. While the proponents of the project stress mainly its importance for the fostering of Slovak energy security, its opponents claim that the pipeline will endanger the current level of environmental security, since it presents a risk to Slovak fresh water reservoirs. In line with the theoretical approach, the paper argues that the conflict between these two types of security is positively skewed towards energy security, because its proponents are able to support their argumentation with concrete evidence. Moreover, advantages from improvements in energy security are visible in the short-term. On the other hand, the possible future negative environmental impacts of the pipeline are not so easy to assess (or quantify) and are of a long-term nature. The analysis also shows that due to the lack of activity of the Slovak Ministry of the Environment, a non-governmental organization Nie ropovodu (No to the pipeline) has become the main proponent of environmental security through the preparation phase of the project.

Early warning signs for distressed projects

There are many factors that can affect a project outcome such as management practices of the contractor, involvement and response of the owner, design change and design errors, and procurement delay. It is important for contractors and owners to be able to detect and rectify project stress as early as possible. This paper presents some factors, which if present would enable contractors and owners to predict the outcome of the project. To achieve this purpose, 116 projects were researched and analyzed. The probability of a project becoming distressed is calculated using a logistic regression model, which can be applied to a project early in the bidding process. The results of this paper are of value to owners, electrical and mechanical contractors, and construction managers.Key words: early warning signs, project outcome, bidding, logistic regression.