Publication in: Spring 2024 Issue

Title:
Tools of Change: A Technological Approach to Community-Led Park Reconstruction
Author(s):
Brian Hickey
Author Email:
bhickey@unca.edu
Department:
BUSINESS
Faculty Mentor(s):
Brad Bilsky
Abstract / Summary:
This research, "Tools of Change: A Technological Approach to Community-Led Park Reconstruction," explores the transformative power of technology in enhancing resource management for community-driven construction projects, with a focus on a pioneering park rebuilding effort. Initiated in early October 2023, this study developed a sophisticated inventory system that employs barcode technology to monitor tool donations and activity peaks at the tool shed. This system, bolstered by Google Sheets and automated through Google Apps Script with support from OpenAI's ChatGPT, offers a streamlined approach to managing inventory, enabling the detailed analysis of tool usage patterns and contributing to significant improvements in operational efficiency. Key to this research was the leadership provided through Playgrounds by Leathers, the authority overseeing the playground's construction and safety certification. The insights derived from analyzing inventory data, such as tool utilization trends and patterns, will be shared with this organization, showcasing the system's capability in helping to understand the logistical aspects of the project. More than just facilitating logistical enhancements, this study seeks to reveal the profound impact that accounting principles and inventory management can have on the success of community endeavors. Highlighting the concrete advantages of an innovative inventory system, the research emphasizes the potential of such approaches to revolutionize project management within community settings. Ultimately, this project aspires not only to refine resource management processes in park reconstruction contexts but also to serve as an inspiration and model for future community-led projects. Through comprehensive documentation and rigorous analysis, it presents itself as a pioneering investigation into the application of accounting principles and AI in project management, paving the way for a new era of technological integration in community initiatives.
Publication Date:
May-14-2024
Documents: