Browsing by Subject "valuation"
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(2022)This thesis explores predicting current prices of individual agricultural fields in Finland based on historical data. The task is to predict field prices accurately with the data we have available while keeping model predictions interpretable and well explainable. The research question is to find which out of several different models we try out is most optimal for the task. The motivation behind this research is the growing agricultural land market and the lack of publicly available field valuation services that can assist market participants to determine and identify reasonable asking prices. Previous studies on the topic have used standard statistics to establish relevant factors that affect field prices. Rather than creating a model whose predictions can be used on their own in every case, the primary purpose of previous works has indeed been to identify information that should be considered in manual field valuation. We, on the other hand, focus on the predictive ability of models that do not require any manual labor. Our modelling approaches focus mainly but not exclusively on algorithms based on Markov–Chain Monte Carlo. We create a nearest neighbors model and four hierarchical linear models of varying complexity. Performance comparisons lead us to recommend a nearest neighbor -type model for this task.
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(2021)The Master´s thesis examines the conceived value patterns the city officials use in the context of land-use regulation of small forest fragments. As a theoretical framework, the study utilises Boltanski and Thévenot´s theory on the common worlds with complementary literature, such as Thévenot’s cognitive formats and engagements. In light of extensive scientific research, urban greenspaces have multiple positive impacts to both urban structure and wellbeing of the residents. Small greenspaces, so-called forest fragments with no appointed recreational activities are, nevertheless, often presented as potential sites for infill construction. This appears especially in cities where strong population growth causes pressure for urban development. This Master´s thesis complements existing research in this regard by revealing the diversity of valuation that form the basis to differing interests, perspectives and decisions that direct urban land-use policy in these forest fragments. The empirical phase has been conducted among city officials in the City of Espoo (FI), who represent different operative units and positions. The analysis was conducted through an exploratory and semiquantitative Q methodology. In the study, the respondents (N=27) validated statements (Q=35) related to planning decisions on small forest fragments. The factor extraction was conducted by principal component analysis. The seven analysed factors form consistent value patterns, which may be used when describing and interpreting the justification of urban planning regulation in forest fragments. In each individual value pattern, either valuation of the local landscape, public good or personal advantage is emphasised. From the common worlds, argumentation based on the industrial or the market worlds highlight personal affinity, whereas, for instance, the civic or the domestic world form a basis for argumentation on social values and the common good. Human-centred biophilia is the most explanatory of the value patterns. Based on the valuation, forest fragments are seen as an integral part of the urban structure especially due to their cultural ecosystem services, such as recreational possibilities, effect on residents´ environmental consciousness and stability of the local landscape.
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