Abstract

Urban infrastructure delivery is a complex process influenced by project type, spatial distribution, stakeholder coordination, and data quality. This thesis examines the application of Microsoft Power BI, a no-code visual analytics tool, as a means to analyze performance patterns in urban projects and inform decision-making in smart city governance. The study uses a structured secondary dataset simulating over 600 infrastructure projects across various departments and neighborhoods. By transforming raw data into an interactive dashboard, the research explores relationships between delay rates, customer satisfaction, budget compliance, and technology adoption. The analysis revealed that project categories such as metal furniture and police administration accounted for the largest share of resources and public engagement. At the same time, emergency and hazardous tasks showed lower satisfaction and higher variability. Spatial visualizations highlighted significant disparities in workforce allocation, with certain neighborhoods receiving disproportionate attention. Furthermore, departments that integrated emerging technologies, such as AI and IoT, demonstrated stronger operational performance, although adoption remained uneven. Power BI proved effective in cleaning, modelling, and visualizing data, offering a practical solution for non-technical stakeholders to monitor key performance indicators. However, limitations were observed in its spatial and statistical capabilities, and the simulated nature of the dataset restricted generalizability. Despite these constraints, the study demonstrates the potential of dashboard-based tools to improve transparency, responsiveness, and efficiency in infrastructure planning. The thesis concludes with recommendations for enhancing data accuracy, promoting digital adoption across departments, and incorporating predictive analytics in future research.

Publication Date

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Professional Studies - City Sciences (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Graduate Programs & Research

Advisor

Sanjay Modak

Advisor/Committee Member

Giovanna Potesta

Campus

RIT Dubai

Download

Share

COinS