Case Study Group: Based on FEP-KLTSA Business Challenge
What is a wicked problem?
A wicked problem is a social or cultural issue that is difficult or impossible to resolve due to its complexity and interconnectedness. It does not have a definitive formulation. Some examples include poverty, climate change, education, homelessness and sustainability. Its complexity stems up from the fact that if you try to solve one aspect of one problem, you will most likely trigger unexpected consequences (Wong, 2023). Wicked problems can be characterized as being resistant to typical problem-solving methods and often, involving several stakeholders with conflicting interests. They are always evolving with no right solution or endpoint. Their solution can only be good or bad (Johnson-Woods, 2023).
Problem definition:
Congestion on roads has become a significant issue in urban areas worldwide. It refers to the situation where the volume of traffic surpasses the road's capacity, resulting in slower speeds, longer travel times, increased fuel consumption, and decreased overall efficiency of the transportation system. Malaysia grapples with heavily congested roads characterized by a mix of vehicles. This situation is exacerbated by a deficiency in public transport services and inadequate parking facilities. Additionally, concerns persist regarding air pollution and other environmental hazards. The Total Industry Volume in the automotive sector in Malaysia was anticipated to see a 2% increase in 2023, amounting to 690,000 units, compared with the estimated 680,000 units in 2022. Malaysia ranks as the fourth-worst country in Southeast Asia in terms of traffic congestion and holds the second-highest levels of CO2 emissions (AKHTAR, 2024). Problem like these come from things such as bad traffic management , population growth and bad management in public transportation.
User persona
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| Figure 1 |
Persona Name: John Smith
Age: 30
Occupation: AI Project Manager
Daily Commute: John Smith lives in the countryside and travels to his workplace which is in the city center by car. The duration is about 30 minutes away without any congestion.
Problem: John goes through heavy traffic congestion during his work travel, almost every day, especially during peak hours. Time is very valuable to John since he has to meet clients and attend meetings or presentations often. The congestion results in John reaching his office late with an increased stress level and a whole lot of wasted time and fuel.
Goals :
1)Time Efficiency: John wants to smartly use his time to ensure that he does not arrive at his work late.
2)Sustainability: John is environmentally conscious and wants to reduce his carbon footprint by using different ways to travel to his workplace that are eco-friendly and possibly an escape from traffic in the city.
3)Safety: John prioritizes his safety and the other road users because it is more likely to get into an accident in a congested area (Accelwriters, 2023).
Solution
Dealing with traffic jams in Malaysia is complicated, there are many issues that need to be addressed and solved. Firstly, Malaysia needs to enhance public transportation such as trains and buses and optimize them for efficiency and increase their capacity. The MRT3 Circle Line project, scheduled to be in operation by 2030, seeks to improve access in areas with limited services (Yeo, 2022). Nevertheless, immediate actions like upgrading the frequency of public transportation and enhancing pedestrian crossings related to stations are necessary (Yeo, 2022).
Additionally, urban planning techniques can aid in decreasing traffic congestion. Enforcing car-free zones, enhancing pedestrian, and cycling infrastructure, and increasing parking accessibility is shown to decrease carbon emissions in cities (McKinsey, 2023).
Finally, switching to low-carbon fuels like electricity can decrease CO2 emissions according to the World Economic Forum in 2023. Nevertheless, this necessitates structural adjustments such as advocating for public transportation, walking, cycling, and other eco-friendly travel options (World Economic Forum, 2023).
To sum up, implementing better public transportation, urban development, and transitioning to eco-friendly fuels can help ease traffic jams and lower CO2 emissions in Malaysia.
Storyboard
The storyboard can begin with a bustling urban street scene, showcasing heavy traffic and crowded roads. We then zoom in on Elon Musk, visibly frustrated as he checks his watch while stuck in traffic during his daily commute. Transitioning to the solution phase, we illustrate enhanced public transportation with more trains and buses depicted in vibrant graphics. Next, we visualize urban planning techniques like car-free zones, improved pedestrian walkways, and dedicated cycling lanes to alleviate congestion. Introducing the concept of eco-friendly fuels, the storyboard shows electric vehicles and charging stations as part of the transition towards sustainability. We highlight collaboration among stakeholders, portraying a diverse group discussing solutions around a table. Finally, the outcome reveals cleaner, less congested streets with people using public transport and cycling, culminating in a scene of a smiling Elon Musk arriving at work on time using eco-friendly transport. This storyboard effectively conveys the journey from traffic chaos to a more efficient, sustainable urban landscape.
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| Figure 2 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing traffic congestion in Malaysia requires a holistic approach that includes improving public transportation, implementing urban planning strategies, and transitioning to eco-friendly fuels. improving public transport services like trains and buses, along with initiatives such as car-free zones and better pedestrian infrastructure, can help reduce what we call congestion and carbon emissions. Transitioning to low-carbon fuels like electricity also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability. These measures, when combined effectively, can lead to significant improvements in alleviating congestion and achieving environmental goals in the future. However, ongoing collaboration and adaptation are essential for tackling such complex and interconnected challenges effectively.
References
Wong, E. (2023, October 16). What Are Wicked Problems and How Might We Solve Them?. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/wicked-problems-5-steps-to-help-you-tackle- wicked-problems-by-combining-systems-thinking-with-agile-methodology
Johnson-Woods, C. (2023, March 17). The 10 Characteristics of “Wicked Problems.” https://www.resonanceglobal.com/blog/the-characteristics-of-wicked-problems
Akhtar, D. R. (2024, March 26). Reduce traffic congestion. thesun.my. https://thesun.my/opinion_news/reduce-traffic-congestion-MH12261296
Accelwriters. (2023, October 3). Why do car accidents increase in traffic congestion? Timian & Fawcett. https://www.timianfawcett.com/how-can-traffic-congestion-lead-to-car-accidents/
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